A Local Motif Modulates the Global Hormon

What is it about?

By testing all possible motifs governing the interactions, we found that a unique set of positive/negative intra-islet interactions between different islet cell types functions not only to reduce the superficially wasteful zero-sum action of glucagon and insulin but also to enhance/suppress the synchronization of hormone secretions between islets under high/normal glucose conditions. This anti-symmetric interaction motif confers effective controllability for network (de)synchronization.

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Why is it important?

Counter-regulatory elements maintain dynamic equilibrium ubiquitously in living systems.