Methods of modulating beta cell function

A method of treating a subject, the method comprising:

• (a) identifying a subject having or at risk for an insulin related disorder, and
• (b) administering to the subject an agent that modulates MCH signaling in an islet tissue of the subject, to thereby treat the subject.

A method of culturing or propagating an islet cell or β cell preparation, the method comprising culturing an islet cell or β cell preparation in the presence of MCH or an agent that increases or promotes MCH signaling.

A method of determining if a subject is at risk for, or has, an insulin related disorder, the method comprising:

• evaluating MCH signaling in the pancreas of the subject, wherein abnormal or aberrant MCH signaling indicates the risk or presence of an insulin related disorder.

A method of screening for an agent that modulates pancreatic function, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a test agent, (b) determining if the agent modulates MCH signaling in a pancreatic cell or tissue, and (c) correlating the ability of a test agent to modulate MCH signaling with the ability to modulate pancreatic function.