Scientific Reports (Aug 2017)

GLP-1/Exendin-4 induces β-cell proliferation via the epidermal growth factor receptor

  • Joseph Fusco,
  • Xiangwei Xiao,
  • Krishna Prasadan,
  • Qingfeng Sheng,
  • Congde Chen,
  • Yung-Ching Ming,
  • George Gittes

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-09898-4
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
pp. 1 – 6

Abstract

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Abstract Exendin-4 is a long acting glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogue that is an agonist for the GLP-1 receptor, a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). Exendin-4 is used to clinically improve glucose tolerance in diabetic patients due to its ability to enhance insulin secretion. In rodents, and possibly in humans, exendin-4 can stimulate β-cell proliferation. The exact mechanism of action to induce β-cell proliferation is not well understood. Here, using a β-cell specific epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) null mouse, we show that exendin-4 induced an increase in proliferation and β-cell mass through EGFR. Thus, our study sheds light on the role of EGFR signaling in the effects of exendin-4 on the control of blood glucose metabolism and β-cell mass.