Update on the Protective Molecular Pathways Improving Pancreatic Beta-Cell Dysfunction

The primary function of pancreatic beta cells is to produce and release insulin in response to increment in extracellular glucose concentrations thus maintaining glucose homeostasis. Deficient beta cell function can have profound metabolic consequences leading to the development of hyperglycemia and ultimately diabetes mellitus. Therefore strategies targeting the maintenance of the normal function and protecting pancreatic beta cells from injury or death might be crucial in the treatment of diabetes. This narrative review will update evidence from the recently identified molecular regulators preserving beta cell mass and function recovery in order to suggest potential therapeutic targets against diabetes. This review will also highlight the relevance for novel molecular pathways potentially improving beta cell dysfunction. © 2013 Alessandra Puddu et al.