G protein-coupled receptors as regulators of pancreatic islet functionality

Abstract

Glucose homeostasis is maintained by hormones secreted from different types of pancreatic islets and its dysregulation can result in diseases including diabetes mellitus. The secretion of hormones from pancreatic islets is highly complex and tightly controlled by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Moreover, GPCR signaling may play a role in enhancing islet cell replication and proliferation. Thus, targeting GPCRs offers a promising strategy for regulating the functionality of pancreatic islets. Here, available RNAseq datasets from human and mouse islets were used to identify the GPCR expression profile and the impact of GPCR signaling for normal islet functionality is discussed.

Keywords: G protein-coupled receptor; G-protein signaling; Hormone secretion; Islet development.