Islet G protein-coupled receptors as potential targets for treatment of type 2 diabetes

B Ahren - Nature reviews Drug discovery, 2009 - nature.com
B Ahren
Nature reviews Drug discovery, 2009nature.com
Islet dysfunction—characterized by a combination of defective insulin secretion,
inappropriately high glucagon secretion and reduced β-cell mass—has a central role in the
pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. Several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)
expressed in islet β-cells are known to be involved in the regulation of islet function, and
therefore are potential therapeutic targets. This is evident from the recent success of
glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) mimetics and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors …
Abstract
Islet dysfunction — characterized by a combination of defective insulin secretion, inappropriately high glucagon secretion and reduced β-cell mass — has a central role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. Several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed in islet β-cells are known to be involved in the regulation of islet function, and therefore are potential therapeutic targets. This is evident from the recent success of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) mimetics and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors, which promote activation of the GLP1 receptor to stimulate insulin secretion and inhibit glucagon secretion, and also have the potential to increase β-cell mass. Other islet β-cell GPCRs that are involved in the regulation of islet function include the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor, lipid GPCRs, pleiotropic peptide GPCRs and islet biogenic amine GPCRs. This Review summarizes islet GPCR expression, signalling and function, and highlights their potential as targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
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