Pancreatic Alpha Cell and Beta Cell Function: The Good Guys and the Bad Guys Affecting Regulation and Interaction of Alpha and Beta Cells

Dear Colleagues,

Glucose homeostasis is regulated by several processes. The main ones are summarized in the so-called “ominous octet”, including insulin secretion, hepatic glucose production, glucose uptake, incretin effect, glucagon secretion, glucose reabsorption, lipolysis, and neurotransmitter function. All these processes involve different bodily organs and tissues. However, if we rank such organs and tissues for their relevance in glucose homeostasis, there is no doubt that the winner is the pancreas, as it is in charge of both insulin secretion from the beta cells and glucagon secretion from the alpha cells. In this Special Issue, we will focus on the function of both alpha and beta cells.

In this Special Issue, we are interested in studies that provide further insight in one or more of the indicated issues, since, despite much knowledge being already available, many aspects need further elucidation and deeper insight. Relevant studies may be both at the cellular or tissue level and at the whole-body level. In addition, we also welcome studies based on the development or application of mathematical modelling for the investigation of the illustrated issues. Indeed, mathematical modelling can help in explaining or quantifying some physiological/pathophysiological processes that are hardly measurable in vivo, and on the other hand can trigger new experiments for deeper investigations and insights in the topics of interest. In this Special Issue, we welcome both original articles and other types of articles, such as reviews, meta-analyses, and commentaries.

More schematically, the scope of the Special Issue includes, but is not limited to:

• Endogenous substances stimulating or inhibiting glucagon secretion.
• Endogenous substances stimulating or inhibiting insulin secretion.
• Pharmacological agents with effects on glucagon or insulin secretion.
• Nutrients with effects on glucagon or insulin secretion.
• The interplay between alpha cell and beta cell function.
• Does physical exercise affect insulin secretion or glucagon inhibition?
• Environmental and other factors affecting alpha cell and beta cell function.
• Mathematical modelling and artificial intelligence in alpha cell and beta cell function.

Dr. Giovanni Pacini
Guest Editor

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