GLP-1 Receptor
Definition
The G protein-coupled receptor GLP-1 acts at, expressed in pancreatic islets, the stomach, the heart and several brain regions. The breadth of that expression is why agonists at it affect more than blood glucose.
Terms used in this definition
Other entries this definition refers to.
Where this term comes up
Entries whose definition mentions GLP-1 Receptor.
What this means for research sourcing
Mechanistic terms like this describe how research compounds behave in vitro. See the mechanism overviews for compounds Volta stocks.
Related Terms in Pharmacology
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
A compound that activates the GLP-1 receptor. Semaglutide and liraglutide are the approved examples, studied against glycaemic endpoints and against body weight, and the class is the reference point most newer metabolic peptides are compared with.
GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide)
The second incretin, released from the upper small intestine, which also enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion. It is a target of tirzepatide alongside GLP-1 and of retatrutide alongside GLP-1 and glucagon.
Incretin
A gut hormone released after eating that raises insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent way, meaning it acts when glucose is high and not when it is low. GLP-1 and GIP are the two in humans.
Glucagon
The pancreatic alpha-cell hormone that raises blood glucose through glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, and that also increases energy expenditure. Adding glucagon-receptor activity to an incretin agonist is what dual agonists such as survodutide do.
Insulin
The pancreatic beta-cell hormone that moves glucose out of the blood into muscle, liver and fat. It is a 51-residue two-chain peptide held together by disulfide bridges, and it was the first peptide hormone made recombinantly.
Amylin
A hormone co-secreted with insulin by pancreatic beta cells, which slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon and promotes satiety. Pramlintide is a synthetic analogue; cagrilintide is a long-acting acylated one.
Ghrelin
A stomach-derived hormone that drives appetite and, by way of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, triggers growth hormone release. The GHRP family and MK-677 are studied as mimics of it.
Growth Hormone (GH)
The pituitary hormone released in pulses that influences growth, body composition and metabolism. Most of its longer-term effects are mediated indirectly, through IGF-1 produced in the liver in response to it.