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Gastrointestinal Peptides advanced

Glucagon-Like Peptide 2

Intestinal growth factor peptide that promotes mucosal proliferation and reduces permeability, used for short bowel syndrome.

By Encyclopeptide Editorial | 2 min read
gut-hormone intestinal-trophic short-bowel-syndrome GLP-2

Chemical Identity

PropertyValue
Chemical FormulaC166H258N44O55S
Molecular Weight3774 Da
CAS Number111636-97-4
Peptide ClassGut Peptide (33 amino acids)
SequenceHADGSFSDEMNTILDNLAARDFINWLIQTKITD

Structure

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a 33-amino acid peptide derived from tissue-specific post-translational processing of proglucagon by prohormone convertase 1/3 in intestinal L-cells. It shares sequence homology with GLP-1 and glucagon but has distinct biological functions.

Mechanism of Action

GLP-2 binds GLP-2 receptors on subepithelial myofibroblasts and enteric neurons, activating cAMP/PKA signaling. This stimulates intestinal epithelial proliferation, inhibits apoptosis, enhances barrier function, reduces gastric motility and acid secretion, and increases mesenteric blood flow. It is trophic to both small and large intestine.

Clinical Applications

  • Short bowel syndrome: Intestinal adaptation (teduglutate)
  • Intestinal failure: Reducing parenteral nutrition dependence
  • Intestinal injury: Mucosal protection and repair
  • Research: Intestinal stem cell biology

Pharmacology

  • Half-life: 7 minutes (native), extended in analogs
  • Release: Postprandial from L-cells
  • DPP-4: Rapidly inactivated (limits native activity)
  • Analogs: Teduglutide (DPP-4 resistant)

References

  • Jeppesen, P.B., et al. (2011). Teduglutide for short bowel syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine, 365, 1789-1799.
  • Drucker, D.J. (2001). Gut peptides and the regulation of intestinal adaptation. Gastroenterology, 120, 757-762.

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