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Molina van Den Bosch, M. ; Greisle, T. ; Karampelias, C. ; Lickert, H.

From architecture to function: mechanisms shaping pancreatic islet morphogenesis.

Trends Endocrinol. Metab., DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2026.04.009 (2026)
Postprint DOI PMC
Open Access Green
Islets of Langerhans are highly structured mini-organs containing hormone-producing cells of the pancreas that regulate glucose metabolism. Studies of endocrine cell differentiation and clustering into immature proto-islets, as well as remodeling into mature islets, are beginning to clarify the critical timepoints and mechanisms governing islet formation across species. In this review, we compare the mechanistic features of the current models of islet morphogenesis, linking them to established intrinsic and extrinsic signals. These signals coordinate endocrine cell differentiation, migration, and clustering to form a distinct 3D islet architecture, while their disruption leads to islet dysfunction. Understanding 3D islet morphogenesis will enable the generation of mature stem cell-derived islets for regenerative therapies and help identify druggable pathways to restore islet function in diabetes.
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Publication type Article: Journal article
Document type Review
Keywords Endocrine Cell Function ; Islet Architecture ; Islet Delamination And Aggregation Model ; Islet Morphogenesis
ISSN (print) / ISBN 1043-2760
e-ISSN 1879-3061
Journal Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Publisher Elsevier
Reviewing status Peer reviewed
Institute(s) Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research (IDR)