Molecular phenotyping of single pancreatic islet leader beta cells by "Flash-Seq".

Aims: Spatially-organized increases in cytosolic Ca within pancreatic beta cells in the pancreatic islet underlie the stimulation of insulin secretion by high glucose. Recent data have revealed the existence of subpopulations of beta cells including "leaders" which initiate Ca waves. Whether leader cells possess unique molecular features, or localisation, is unknown.