Glucagon-Like Peptide-1: Actions and Influence on Pancreatic Hormone Function

GLP-1 was described as an incretin over 30 years ago. GLP-1 is encoded by the preproglucagon gene (Gcg), which is expressed in the intestine, the pancreas, and the central nervous system. GLP-1 activates GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1r) on the β-cell to induce insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. GLP-1 also inhibits α-cell secretion of glucagon. As few, if any, GLP-1r are expressed on α-cells, indirect regulation, via β- or δ-cell products has been thought to be the primary mechanism by which GLP-1 inhibits glucagon secretion. However, recent work suggests that there is sufficient expression of GLP-1r on α-cells for direct regulation as well. Although the predominant source of circulating GLP-1 is the intestine, the α-cell becomes a source of GLP-1 when the islet is metabolically stressed. Recent work suggests the possibility that this source of GLP-1 is also be important in regulating nutrient-induced insulin secretion in a paracrine fashion. More work is also accumulating regarding the role of glucagon, another Gcg-derived protein produced by the α-cell, in stimulating insulin secretion by acting on GLP-1r. Altogether, these data clearly demonstrate the important role of Gcg-derived peptides in regulating insulin secretion. Because of GLP-1's important role in glucose homeostasis, it has been implicated in the success of bariatric surgery and has been successfully targeted for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. © 2020 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 10:577-595, 2020.