title: Glucagon-like peptide-1 gene therapy.
abstract: Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a small peptide component of the prohormone, proglucagon, that is produced in the gut. Exendin-4, a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally isolated from the saliva of H. suspectum or Gila monster, is a peptide that shares sequence and functional homology with GLP-1. Both peptides have been demonstrated to stimulate insulin secretion, inhibit glucagon secretion, promote satiety and slow gastric emptying. As such, GLP-1 and Exendin-4 have become attractive pharmaceutical targets as an adjunctive therapy for individuals with type II diabetes mellitus, with several products currently available clinically. Herein we summarize the cell biology leading to GLP-1 production and secretion from intestinal L-cells and the endocrine functions of this peptide and Exendin-4 in humans. Additionally, gene therapeutic applications of GLP-1 and Exendin-4 are discussed with a focus on recent work using the salivary gland as a gene therapy target organ for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
authors: Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Bethesda, MD 20892-2190, USA.
authors: Anne M
authors: AM
authors: Rowzee
authors: Niamh X
authors: NX
authors: Cawley
authors: John A
authors: JA
authors: Chiorini
authors: Giovanni
authors: G
authors: Di Pasquale
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D000077270:Exenatide; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009928:Organ Specificity / Q000235:genetics; D010455:Peptides / Q000235:genetics; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D014688:Venoms / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D010455:Peptides; D014688:Venoms; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; D000077270:Exenatide