Gastrointestinal hormone research - with a Scandinavian annotation

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The digestive tract is the body's largest hormone-producing organ, with over 30 known gut hormone genes.
• Gut hormones are peptides released from neuroendocrine cells, classified into nine families based on structural homology and ancestral genes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of gut hormone biology.
• To highlight the diverse origins, processing, and functions of gut hormones.
• To discuss the extraintestinal roles and regulatory systems involving gut hormones.

Main Methods:

• Review of current biological understanding of gut hormone gene expression and peptide processing.
• Analysis of peptide secretion pathways in various cell types (endocrine, neuronal, cancer, spermatozoa).
• Examination of G-protein-coupled receptor targets and systemic regulatory functions.

Main Results:

• Over 100 hormonally active peptides are released from the gut through mechanisms like alternative splicing and posttranslational maturation.
• Gut hormone genes are expressed both within and outside the digestive tract, leading to diverse bioactive fragments and functions.
• Gut hormones act as blood-borne hormones, neurotransmitters, local growth factors, or fertility factors, regulating whole-organism systems via G-protein-coupled receptors.

Conclusions:

• Gastrointestinal hormones play multifaceted roles extending far beyond digestion, influencing systemic functions through various signaling pathways.
• The cell-specific processing and secretion of gut peptides contribute to their diverse physiological and pathophysiological roles.
• Understanding gut hormone complexity is crucial for comprehending whole-body regulation and potential therapeutic targets.