Metabolic · Endogenous peptide hormone
GLP-2
Also known as Glucagon-like peptide-2
GLP-2 is a 33-amino acid peptide from proglucagon, studied for its potent intestinotrophic effects and its role in gut mucosal integrity.
- Length
- 33 amino acids
- Half-life
- Approximately 7 minutes in plasma
- Mechanism
- Primarily signals through the GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R), a G protein-coupled receptor, to promote intestinal cell proliferation.
- Studied in
- Laboratory studies focus on its role in intestinal growth, nutrient absorption, and mucosal integrity in models of gut injury or short bowel syndrome.
About GLP-2
Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is an endogenous peptide processed from the proglucagon gene, primarily in intestinal enteroendocrine L-cells. It is co-secreted with GLP-1 in response to nutrient intake and shares structural homology with glucagon and other members of the secretin/glucagon peptide family. Its primary recognised function involves the regulation of intestinal growth and function.
In a research context, GLP-2 is investigated for its trophic effects on the intestinal epithelium, where it stimulates crypt cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. It is a key tool in cellular and animal models exploring mechanisms of mucosal repair, adaptation after resection, and barrier function enhancement. It is also a reference compound with a clinical history.
Laboratory notes
- Highly susceptible to degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-4); use of DPP-4 inhibitors may be required in some experimental models to prolong activity.
- For in-vitro studies, reconstitute in a sterile buffer such as PBS; solubility is generally high in aqueous solutions.
- Store lyophilised material at -20°C and reconstituted aliquots at -80°C to minimise degradation from multiple freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about GLP-2
What is the primary source of endogenous GLP-2?
It is co-secreted with GLP-1 from intestinal L-cells in response to nutrient ingestion.
How is GLP-2 related to GLP-1?
Both are derived from the same proglucagon precursor peptide but act on distinct receptors and have different primary physiological roles, with GLP-2 being primarily intestinotrophic.
What is a main challenge when working with GLP-2 in vivo models?
Its short plasma half-life due to rapid cleavage by DPP-4 often necessitates frequent administration schedules or the use of stabilised analogues for sustained effect studies.
Is GLP-2 for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.