Concise Review: New Insights Into the Role of Macrophages in β-Cell Proliferation. (21st April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xiao, Xiangwei; Gittes, George K.
• Is Part Of: Stem cells translational medicine. Volume 4:Number 6(2015)
• Page Start: 655
• Page End: 658
• Publication Date: 2015-04-21
• Subjects: β-Cell proliferation -- Macrophages -- β-Cell regeneration -- Diabetes -- Macrophage polarization; Stem cells -- Periodicals; Regenerative medicine -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.0277405
• DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2014-0248
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2157-6564

Abstract

Abstract : A potential role for macrophage polarization in promoting β-cell proliferation has only recently been appreciated. Several independent studies, using different regeneration models and demonstrating a substantial inductive role for macrophages in β-cell proliferation, are discussed. Additional dissection of the involved cell-cell crosstalk through specific signal transduction pathways should improve our understanding of β-cell proliferation and might facilitate current β-cell replacement therapy. Abstract: : Diabetes mellitus can potentially be treated with islet transplantation, but additional sources of β cells are necessary to overcome the short supply of donor pancreases. Although controversy still exists, it is generally believed that the postnatal expansion of the β-cell mass is mainly through pre-existing β-cell replication. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of β-cell proliferation might lead to clinical strategies for increasing β-cell numbers, both in vitro and in vivo. Macrophages have a well-recognized role in the development of insulitis as part of the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. However, a potential role for macrophage polarization, triggered by specific environmental stimuli, in promoting β-cell proliferation has only recently been appreciated. In the present review, we discuss several independent studies, using different regeneration models, that demonstrate a substantial inductive role for macrophages in β-cell proliferation. Additional dissection of the involved cell-cell crosstalk through specific signal transduction pathways is expected to improve our understanding of β-cell proliferation and might facilitate the current β-cell replacement therapy. Significance: New independent findings from different β-cell regeneration models, contributed by different research groups, have provided compelling evidence to highlight a previously unappreciated role for macrophages in β-cell proliferation. Additional dissection of the underlying mechanisms and cell-cell crosstalk might shed new light on strategies to increase the functional β-cell mass in vivo and on β-cell replacement therapies.