Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone secreted from enteroendocrine L cells in response to ingested nutrients. The closely related peptides glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) and glucagon have opposing effects on blood glucose. GLP-1 induces glucose-dependent insulin secretion in the pancreas, while glucagon stimulates gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver. Glucagon is processed from a large precursor, proglucagon, in a tissue-specific manner in pancreatic alpha-cells. The identification of a hybrid peptide acting as both a GLP-1 agonist and a glucagon antagonist would provide a novel approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
