The EPAC2 pathway causes these cells to close their potassium channels after their energy balance is detected by SUR1.
The zinc transporter ZnT-8 allows paracrine signaling by these cells, whose maturation depends on the activation of MafA by PDX-1. James Neel proposed that a quick response from these cells once provided a selective advantage to hunter-gatherers, but is now maladaptive, in his "thrifty genotype" hypothesis, which has been tested in longitudinal studies of Pima Indians. The EPAC2 pathway causes these cells to close their potassium channels after their energy balance is detected by SUR1. GPR40 binds free fatty acids in these cells, which are stimulated by (*) incretins. They're not in the hypothalamus or liver, but these cells employ glucokinase as a key sensor. They secrete C-peptide and amylin along with their major product after glucose enters their GLUT2 channels. For 10 points, name these cells that make up the majority of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas and primarily secrete insulin.
The zinc transporter ZnT-8 allows paracrine signaling by these cells, whose maturation depends on the activation of MafA by PDX-1.
beta cells [prompt on "pancreatic cells" or "islets of Langerhans" before mentioned]