Islet pericytes convert into profibrotic myofibroblasts in a mouse model of islet vascular fibrosis

Conclusions/interpretationOur study thus illustrates how theAktTg mouse serves to elucidate a cellular mechanism in the development of islet vascular fibrosis, namely a change in pericyte phenotype that leads to vascular dysfunction. Because beta cells in theAktTg mouse are more numerous and larger, and secrete more insulin, in future studies we will test the role beta cell secretory products play in determining the phenotype of pericytes and other cells residing in the islet microenvironment under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.Graphical abstract

Source: Diabetologia - July 10, 2020 Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research