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Junghyo Jo (APCTP) Tncreatic islets are critical micro-organs for maintaining blood glucose levels constant by secreting the counter-regulatory hormones, insulin and glucagon. While beta cells (secreting insulin) have been highlighted in the islet, the roles of alpha (glucagon) and delta (somatostatin) cells and the interactions between those cells are poorly understood. In this seminar, I introduce the cellular network in the islet based on imaging data, and explain about the size and self-organization of the islet-cell network. Finally, the network architecture will be discussed in terms of its homeostatic function for controlling glucose levels. |