betagenin

Betagenin (formerly known as IBCAP or CF266) is a novel, highly conserved intestine-derived peptide hormone encoded by the transmembrane 4 L6 family member 20 (Tm4sf20) gene. Discovered by a collaborative research group in Japan, betagenin acts as an incretin-like factor that enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, promotes pancreatic beta-cell proliferation, and suppresses beta-cell apoptosis. In preclinical models of diabetes, administration of synthetic betagenin peptide or adenovirus-mediated overexpression of the hormone restored glycemic control, reduced HbA1c levels, and regenerated functional pancreatic beta-cell mass. Betagenin exerts its proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects on beta-cells through the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Other names

IBCAPintestine-derived beta-cell augmenting promoterintestine-specific secretory protein, IBCAP