Tissue-to-tissue crosstalk regulates organ function, according to growing data. This
phenomenon is relevant for pancreatic b-cells and the liver, as both tissues are involved in
glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. The ability to fine-tune regulation and adaptive
responses is enabled through communication between pancreatic b-cells and the liver.
However, the crosstalk between both tissues changes when metabolic dysregulation is
present. Factors and cargo from extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by liver and
pancreatic b-cells that reach the circulation form the words of this interaction. The
molecules released by the liver are called hepatokines and are usually secreted in
response to the metabolic state. When hepatokines reach the pancreatic islets several
mechanisms are initiated for their protection or damage. In the case of the crosstalk
between pancreatic b-cells and the liver, only one factor has been found to date. This
protein, pancreatic derived factor (PANDER) has been proposed as a novel linker between
insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and could be considered a
biomarker for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and T2D. Furthermore, the cargo
released by EVs, mainly miRNAs, plays a significant role in this crosstalk. A better
knowledge of the crosstalk between liver and pancreatic b-cells is essential to
understand both diseases and it could lead to better prevention and new
therapeutic options.Ministerio de Ciencia e InnovaciónJunta de Andalucí