Overview

• Researchers demonstrated that FXYD2 expression distinguishes mature β cells by modulating ion channel activity and fine-tuning insulin secretion dynamics.
• The study combined single-cell RNA sequencing, electrophysiological assays and imaging to map FXYD2’s dual role in β cell maturation.
• Stem cell–derived islet organoids were classified into FXYD2-high and FXYD2-low subsets, with FXYD2-high cells showing superior functional profiles.
• Transplanting FXYD2-high, insulin-positive islets consistently restored normal blood sugar levels in severe diabetic animal models.
• This discovery provides a quality-control tool for regenerative diabetes therapy by improving the selection of transplant-ready islet grafts.