| Function |
Exendin 4 is a 39 amino acid peptide produced exclusively by the salivary
glands of the Gila monster, Heloderma suspectum. It acts as an agonist of the
glucagon-like peptide (GLP) receptor that has anorexigenic and fat-reducing
properties. Plasma levels of Exendin 4 increase in response to feeding, as
it is released from the salivary glands in response to mechanical stimulation.
Exendin 4 possesses anti-apoptotic and β cell proliferative properties, and
induces the phosphorylation of Raf-1 and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase
(ERK) as well as the level of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding
protein (CREB) and the cyclin D1 gene. Exendin 4 has prolonged glucose
lowering action that may contribute to its antidiabetic effect in several animal
models of type 2 diabetes. |
