GLP-1
Glucagon-like Peptide-1
Overview
Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an endogenous incretin hormone secreted by L-cells in the small intestine in response to food intake. It plays a central role in glucose homeostasis, appetite regulation, and pancreatic beta-cell function. While native GLP-1 has a very short half-life of 2-3 minutes due to rapid degradation by DPP-4 enzymes, it is the template for a family of long-acting pharmaceutical analogs including semaglutide and liraglutide that have become blockbuster treatments for diabetes and obesity. Understanding native GLP-1 physiology is essential context for the entire GLP-1 receptor agonist therapeutic class.
Compound Data
Molecular Formula
C149H226N40O45
Molecular Weight
3297.60 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(4S)-5-[[2-[[(2S,3R)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S,3R)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[2-[[(2S)-5-amino-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-6-amino-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S,3S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-6-amino-1-[[2-[[(2S)-1-amino-5-carbamimidamido-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-2-oxoethyl]amino]-1-oxohexan-2-yl]amino]-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-4-methyl-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-3-methyl-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl]amino]-4-carboxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxohexan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-1,5-dioxopentan-2-yl]amino]-2-oxoethyl]amino]-4-carboxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-4-methyl-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-3-carboxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-2-oxoethyl]amino]-4-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-amino-3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid
PubChem CID
16133831Where does GLP-1 sit?
See how this peptide compares across all 70 peptides in our database.
Mechanism of Action
GLP-1 is released postprandially and acts on GLP-1 receptors throughout the body. In the pancreas it stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon release, lowering blood glucose without causing hypoglycemia at normal glucose concentrations. In the stomach it slows gastric emptying, reducing the rate of glucose absorption. In the hypothalamus and brainstem it activates satiety circuits and reduces appetite. GLP-1 also has direct cardioprotective effects through receptors in the heart and vasculature, promoting vasodilation and reducing inflammation. In the liver it suppresses hepatic glucose production. Native GLP-1 is rapidly inactivated by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which led to the development of DPP-4 inhibitors and long-acting GLP-1 analogs as therapeutic strategies.
Dosage Information
Typical Dose
N/A — native GLP-1 used as reference; pharmaceutical analogs used clinically
Frequency
N/A
Administration
Reference compound — see Semaglutide or Liraglutide for clinical use
Notes
Native GLP-1 is not used therapeutically due to its 2-3 minute half-life. This entry provides mechanistic context for the GLP-1 receptor agonist class.
Potential Side Effects
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Quick Facts
- Administration
- Reference compound — see Semaglutide or Liraglutide for clinical use
- Typical Dose
- N/A — native GLP-1 used as reference; pharmaceutical analogs used clinically
- Frequency
- N/A
- References
- 0 curated + 50 from PubMed
- Clinical Trials
- 47 registered
- Evidence Score
- 78.8 / 100