Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

A Method for Mouse Pancreatic Islet Isolation and Intracellular cAMP Determination
Published on: June 25, 2014
Peptide-mediated targeting of the islets of Langerhans
Kausar N Samli1, Michael J McGuire, Christopher B Newgard
1Center for Biomedical Inventions, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9185, USA.
Abstract:
Strategies for restoring beta-cell function in diabetic patients would be greatly aided by the ability to target genes, proteins, or small molecules specifically to these cells. Furthermore, the ability to direct imaging agents specifically to beta-cells would facilitate diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. To isolate ligands that can home to beta-cells in vivo, we have panned a random phage-displayed 20-mer peptide library on freshly isolated rat islets. We have isolated two 20-mer peptides that bind to islets ex vivo. One of these peptides preferentially homes to the islets of Langerhans in a normal rat with clear differentiation between the endocrine and exocrine cells of the pancreas. Furthermore, this peptide does not target beta-cells in a type 2 diabetes animal model, suggesting that the peptide can discriminate between glucose-stimulated insulin secretion-functional and -dysfunctional beta-cells.
Related Concept Videos
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
Insulin Secretory Vesicles
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors

