R. K. Benninger

Cleavage of protein kinase c δ by caspase-3 mediates pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced apoptosis in pancreatic islets

This study identifies PKCδ's role in cytokine-induced apoptosis in pancreatic β-cells, showing that caspase-3 cleavage and nuclear translocation of PKCδ are required for cytokine-mediated β-cell death.

Resolving spatiotemporal electrical signaling within the islet via CMOS microelectrode arrays

This paper uses CMOS microelectrode arrays to study electrical signal propagation in mouse islets, finding glucose-dependent changes in wave velocity and identifying a subpopulation of active cells.

Beta-cell Metabolic Activity Rather than Gap Junction Structure Dictates Subpopulations in theIslet Functional Network

The paper shows that metabolic activity, not gap junction structure, determines beta-cell subpopulations in the islet functional network.

Functional architecture of the pancreatic islets: First responder cells drive the first-phase response

The paper identifies and characterizes first responder beta-cells in pancreatic islets that drive the first-phase calcium response to glucose.

RESTORING CONNEXIN-36 FUNCTION IN DIABETOGENIC ENVIRONMENTS PRECLUDES MOUSE AND HUMAN ISLET DYSFUNCTION

This study shows that restoring Cx36 gap junction function in diabetic conditions improves islet function in both mice and humans.

Detecting Insulitis in Type 1 Diabetes with Ultrasound Phase-change Contrast Agents

This paper demonstrates that ultrasound contrast agents can detect insulitis in pre-symptomatic type 1 diabetes by tracking nanodroplet extravasation into immune-infiltrated islets.

Small subpopulations of β-cells do not drive islet oscillatory dynamics via gap junction communication

This study shows that small subpopulations of β-cells cannot disproportionately control islet-wide [Ca2+] oscillations via gap junction coupling, as removing them does not significantly alter islet function.

Dynamic changes in β-cell electrical activity and regulates NFATc3 activation and downstream gene transcription

This study investigates how dynamic changes in β-cell electrical activity and calcium oscillations regulate NFAT activation and downstream gene transcription, showing impaired responses in type 2 diabetes.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound measurement of pancreatic blood flow dynamics predicts type1 diabetes therapeutic reversal in preclinical models

This paper shows contrast-enhanced ultrasound blood-flow measurements predict therapeutic success in preclinical T1D models.

Caloric Restriction recovers impaired β-cell-β-cell coupling, calcium oscillation coordination and insulin secretion in prediabetic mice

This study shows caloric restriction improves β-cell coupling, calcium oscillations, and insulin secretion in prediabetic mice by restoring Cx36 gap junction function.

Engineering Functional Pseudo-Islets of Defined Sizes from Primary Murine Cells Using PEG Microwell Devices

The paper uses microwell devices to create functional pseudo-islets from primary murine cells, showing improved viability and glucose responsiveness compared to natural islets.

Optogenetic Stimulation of Pancreatic Function via Vagal Cholinergic Axons

This study uses optogenetics to stimulate vagal cholinergic axons and shows increased insulin secretion and reduced glucose levels in mice.

How heterogeneity in glucokinase and gap junction coupling determines the islet electrical response

The paper shows that electrical coupling enables a minority of glucose-metabolizing β-cells to drive islet-wide calcium responses, but insufficient numbers or disrupted coupling suppresses these responses.