The ins and outs of secretion from pancreatic beta-cells: control of single-vesicle exo- and endocytosis

Physiology (Bethesda). 2007 Apr:22:113-21. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00047.2006.

Abstract

Exocytosis of insulin-containing secretory vesicles in pancreatic beta-cells is crucial to maintenance of plasma glucose levels. They fuse with the plasma membrane in a regulated manner to release their contents and are subsequently recaptured either intact or through conventional clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Here, we discuss these mechanisms in beta-cells at the single-vesicle level.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / physiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / physiopathology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Endocytosis / physiology*
  • Exocytosis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Secretion
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / metabolism*
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / physiology
  • Secretory Vesicles / physiology*

Substances

  • Insulin