Uncovering new potentials of the pancreas: alpha-cells produce not only glucagon but also GLP-1, potentially revolutionizing diabetes treatment
Researchers from Duke University have taken a significant step in understanding pancreatic functions by revealing the hidden ability of alpha cells in the organ to produce not only the well-known hormone glucagon but also another crucial bioactive hormone—GLP-1.
This discovery holds promise for revolutionizing approaches to treating type 2 diabetes, since GLP-1 is a key component of modern medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, which dramatically improve blood sugar control.
The study, led by Jonathan Campbell, involved analyzing pancreatic tissues from both mice and humans of various ages, body weights, and stages of diabetes.
Using advanced mass spectrometry techniques, scientists demonstrated that human alpha cells are capable of producing significantly more GLP-1 than previously thought, directly influencing insulin secretion.
The revelation that GLP-1 production occurs within alpha cells even when it was previously assumed to be limited opens new horizons for developing innovative therapies.
Moreover, experiments blocking glucagon production showed that cells can switch to produce more GLP-1, boosting insulin release and better blood sugar management.
This suggests that the body possesses an intrinsic backup mechanism capable of compensating for insulin deficiency via activation of GLP-1, offering new hope in diabetes treatment.
Future research aims to find safe ways to enhance this natural process, potentially leading to more effective therapies.
These findings highlight the intricate biological processes within the pancreas and signal a new era in diabetes research.