Updated project metadata. Intensive efforts are focused on identifying regulators of human pancreatic islet cell growth and maturation to accelerate development of therapies for diabetes. In the present study we evaluate the contribution of the physical properties of the extracellular matrix in supporting long term culture of human islets in vitro. We used metal oxide layers with tailored nanoscale roughness to fabricate scaffolds. Their suitability to support long term culture of human islets was investigated through assessment of β-cell survival, differentiation and function by using a proteomic approach to evaluate the molecular mechanisms involved. Proteomic analysis confirmed that ns-ZrOx promoted the activation of a transcriptional and translational program leading to activation of pro-survival and pro-differentiation signalling pathways. The process was driven by a mechanotransductive pathway driven by nanostructured topology, via remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton nuclear architecture and increase of oxygen sensor PDH2 Our data suggest that β-cells relay on nanotopography features to regulate their differentiation and survival. Tailored nanostructured substrates may provide a unique strategy to identify novel hints for tissue engineering and molecular /pharmacological targets of intervention to treat diabetes mellitus.