Glucagon-like peptide 2: a nutrient-responsive gut growth factor.
Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a 33-amino acid peptide derived from the tissue-specific, post-translational processing of the proglucagon gene expressed in the intestinal enteroendocrine L-cell. The primary stimulus for GLP-2 secretion is nutrient intake, and involves direct luminal stimulation of the L-cell as well as indirect enteroendocrine and neural mechanisms. The biological activity of GLP-2 in circulation is regulated by the proteolytic cleavage of the N-terminus by dipeptidylpeptidase IV. Several studies have shown that GLP-2 has specific trophic effects on the small and large intestine, which are mediated by stimulation of cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis and proteolysis. GLP-2 also has been shown to suppress gastric motility and acid secretion, increase hexose transport activity and suppress food intake, specifically when infused centrally. The actions of GLP-2 are mediated by a G-protein-linked, membrane receptor (GLP-2R) that is localized largely to the gastrointestinal tract, but also is found in the brain. The secretion of GLP-2 and expression of the GLP-2R are present in the late gestation fetus. However, the developing intestine does not become responsive to the trophic effect of GLP-2 until after birth. Based on its efficacy in preventing atrophy and stimulating growth in the neonatal gut, GLP-2 may be a promising therapeutic adjuvant for treatment of infants with compromised gut function.
U.S. Department of Agriculture/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. dburrin@bcm.tmc.edu
D G
DG
Burrin
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Y
Petersen
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B
Stoll
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P
Sangild
D002455:Cell Division; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D053767:Glucagon-Like Peptide 2; D004763:Glucagon-Like Peptides; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000254:growth & development*; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D007422:Intestines / Q000254:growth & development; D010455:Peptides / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D053767:Glucagon-Like Peptide 2; D006133:Growth Substances; D010455:Peptides; D004763:Glucagon-Like Peptides