Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
12:33
A Method for Mouse Pancreatic Islet Isolation and Intracellular cAMP Determination
Published on: June 25, 2014
Amylin: A Multi-Functional Pancreatic Hormone-A Review
Christelle Le Foll1, Thomas A Lutz1,2
1Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism
|August 5, 2026
Summary
Amylin, a hormone from pancreatic beta-cells, regulates metabolism and appetite. Research translates amylin biology into new pharmacotherapies for obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Neuroscience
- Diabetes Research
Background:
- Amylin is a pancreatic beta-cell hormone crucial for energy metabolism.
- It influences satiation, gastric emptying, and glucagon release.
- Amylin's central nervous system actions link homeostatic eating with reward behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current understanding of amylin biology.
- To outline the translation of amylin knowledge into pharmacotherapy.
- To discuss combination approaches for obesity and diabetes treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on amylin.
- Analysis of amylin's physiological and pathophysiological roles.
- Examination of recent therapeutic developments.
Main Results:
- Amylin aggregation contributes to beta-cell destruction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D).
- Understanding amylin's function has led to effective pharmacotherapies.
- Long-acting amylin analogs are key components of new treatments.
Conclusions:
- Amylin plays a central role in energy homeostasis and T2D pathogenesis.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting amylin offer effective treatments for obesity and diabetes.
- Combination therapies with amylin analogs show promise for enhanced patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas
The pancreas, a vital organ within the abdominal cavity, plays dual roles in the digestive and endocrine systems, collaborating with exocrine and endocrine cells to maintain optimal digestion and blood sugar levels.
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...
01:27Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
The pancreatic islets comprising only 1%-2% of the volume are highly vascularized and innervated mini-organs. They contain five endocrine cell types, including β cells that secrete insulin, which is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain, preproinsulin, processed to proinsulin, and finally to insulin and C-peptide. This process is complex and regulated, involving the Golgi complex, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the secretory granules of the β cell.
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
01:16Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
01:24Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
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...
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...
01:25Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic β-cells synthesizes preproinsulin, which consists of a signal peptide, A and B chains, and a C-peptide. Preproinsulin is then cleaved and folded into proinsulin, which translocates to the Golgi apparatus for sorting and packaging into secretory granules. In these granules, enzymatic clipping generates insulin and C-peptide.
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
01:26Pancreatic Juice and Secretion
Pancreatic juice is a clear fluid produced by the pancreas, containing water, salts, sodium bicarbonate, and enzymes vital for digestion in the small intestine. It helps break down large molecules, facilitating nutrient absorption.
When acidic chyme from the stomach enters the duodenum, it triggers the release of secretin, a hormone that prompts pancreatic juice secretion. After a fatty meal, cholecystokinin, another hormone, stimulates gallbladder contraction and enhances enzyme-rich...
When acidic chyme from the stomach enters the duodenum, it triggers the release of secretin, a hormone that prompts pancreatic juice secretion. After a fatty meal, cholecystokinin, another hormone, stimulates gallbladder contraction and enhances enzyme-rich...