In pancreatic islets, α-cells secrete glucagon in response to hypoglycaemia. We report that neighbouring δ-cells regulate this process via a negative feedback loop. Hypoglycaemia enhances this intercellular crosstalk, resulting in impaired glucagon response and systemic counter-regulation. Targeting this feedback circuit between α- and δ-cells may help to prevent recurrent iatrogenic hypoglycaemia.
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This is a summary of: Gao, R. et al. Antecedent hypoglycaemia impairs glucagon secretion by enhancing somatostatin-mediated negative feedback control. Nat. Metab. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-025-01422-7 (2026).
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Enhanced crosstalk between α- and δ-cells promotes recurrent hypoglycaemia. Nat Metab 8, 14–15 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-025-01423-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-025-01423-6
