The stem cell within the vessel wall: multipotent pericytes modulating β-cell function and diabetic complications

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Pancreatic islet pericytes are emerging as critical regulators of β-cell development, maturation, and function beyond their traditional role in vascular support. While the roles of signaling pathways and transcription factors in β-cell development have been extensively studied, the contribution of non-endocrine components, particularly pericytes, has gained recognition as a critical regulator of β-cell biology. Originally characterized as critical component of the vasculatures, pericytes were later recognized for their role in tissue development beyond angiogenesis. This review focuses on the multifaceted contributions of pericytes to islet biology, highlighting their regulatory effects on β-cell proliferation, differentiation, and functional maturation through paracrine signaling and extracellular matrix interactions. We outlined key signaling pathways modulated by pericytes to support β-cell maturation and function. Furthermore, the complex interactions between pericytes and non-endocrine intraislet cell populations are thoroughly analyzed to elucidate the integrated microenvironmental network essential for islet development and functional homeostasis.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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