Mitochondrial Calcium Signaling in Pancreatic β-Cell

Accumulation of calcium in energized mitochondria of pancreatic beta-cells is emerging as a crucial process for pancreatic beta-cell function. beta-cell mitochondria sense and shape calcium signals, linking the metabolism of glucose and other secretagogues to the generation of signals that promote insulin secretion during nutrient stimulation. Here, we describe the role of mitochondrial calcium signaling in pancreatic beta-cell function. We report the latest pharmacological and genetic findings, including the first mitochondrial calcium-targeted intervention strategies developed to modulate pancreatic beta-cell function and their potential relevance in the context of diabetes.

Automated summary

Accumulation of calcium in energized mitochondria of pancreatic beta-cells plays a crucial role in beta-cell function. Mitochondrial calcium signaling is important for regulating insulin secretion and new pharmacological and genetic findings provide potential intervention strategies for modulating pancreatic beta-cell function in the context of diabetes.