A larger proportion of T2D islets, compared with controls, showed a subpopulation of glucagon-positive cells that expressed cytoplasmic (inactive) FOXO1 and α-cell Aristaless-related homeobox transcription factor (ARX) [50], and a subpopulation of somatostatin-positive cells expressed cytoplasmic (inactive) homeobox protein NKX6.1 [43], suggesting dedifferentiation of beta cells and transition towards α- or δ-like cell physiology. The gene discussed is NKX6-1; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.