Gastrin-17 (G17) (G17)

Gastrin-17 (G17) is a major bioactive peptide hormone produced by G cells in the gastric antrum, primarily known for stimulating gastric acid secretion and maintaining the gastric mucosa [UniProt P01350]. Glycine-extended gastrin-17 (G17-Gly) is an intermediate precursor in the processing of gastrin that lacks the C-terminal amide group required for classical gastrin receptor (CCKBR) activation [Dockray, 2004, PMID: 14663644]. Despite this, G17-Gly exhibits significant biological activity, particularly as a growth factor that promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in various tissues [Watson et al., 2002, PMID: 12192101]. In many gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal malignancies, such as pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancers, both G17 and G17-Gly are often overexpressed and function as autocrine or paracrine growth stimulants [Heasley, 2001, PMID: 11605248]. Therapeutic interventions like the G17DT vaccine (Poligratide) are designed to elicit an immune response against these peptides, neutralizing them to suppress tumor growth and improve patient outcomes [Watson et al., 2002]. This approach targets the hormonal environment of the tumor rather than the tumor cells directly, offering a specialized strategy for gastrin-dependent cancers.

Other names

Glycine-extended gastrin-17G17-GlyLittle gastrinProgastrin-derived peptide

Induction of neutralizing antibodies against Gastrin-17 and its glycine-extended precursor to inhibit gastrin-stimulated tumor cell proliferation and acid secretion.