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Extracellular matrix-associated factors play critical roles in regulating pancreatic β-cell proliferation and survival.

The insulin-producing β cell is key for maintaining glucose homeostasis. The islet microenvironment greatly influences β-cell survival and proliferation. Within the islet, β cells contact the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is deposited primarily by intra-islet endothelial cells, and this interaction has been shown to modulate proliferation and survival. ECM-localized growth factors such as VEGF and CCN2 signal through specific receptors and integrins on the β-cell surface. Furthering the understanding of how the ECM functions to influence β-cell proliferation and survival will provide targets for enhancing functional β-cell mass for the treatment of diabetes.