The Human Islet: Mini-Organ With Mega-Impact

This review focuses on the human pancreatic islet-including its structure, cell composition, development, function, and dysfunction. After providing a historical timeline of key discoveries about human islets over the past century, we describe new research approaches and technologies that are being used to study human islets and how these are providing insight into human islet physiology and pathophysiology. We also describe changes or adaptations in human islets in response to physiologic challenges such as pregnancy, aging, and insulin resistance and discuss islet changes in human diabetes of many forms. We outline current and future interventions being developed to protect, restore, or replace human islets. The review also highlights unresolved questions about human islets and proposes areas where additional research on human islets is needed.

Automated summary

This review discusses the structure, function, and pathophysiology of human pancreatic islets, as well as the changes in islets in response to physiological challenges and diabetes. It also outlines current and future interventions for protecting, restoring, or replacing human islets. Additionally, the review highlights unresolved questions about human islets and areas needing further research.