Glucagon (GCG) (GCG)

Glucagon (GCG) is a gene that encodes a preproprotein, which is proteolytically processed in a tissue-specific manner to produce several biologically active peptides, including glucagon, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) (UniProt: P01275). In the colon and ileum, the GCG gene is expressed in enteroendocrine L-cells, where prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) cleaves proglucagon to release GLP-1, a potent incretin hormone (PubMed: 30639142). GLP-1 plays a critical role in metabolic health by stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety (StatPearls: NBK551568). The term 'Colonic GLP-1 gene expression' specifically refers to the transcriptional activity of the GCG gene in the gut, which is a key area of research for enhancing endogenous GLP-1 production (PubMed: 28463567). Therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway include GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide) that mimic the hormone's effects, and DPP-4 inhibitors (e.g., sitagliptin) that prevent its degradation. Emerging research also explores secretagogues, such as TGR5 or GPR119 agonists, and dietary interventions like prebiotics to directly increase colonic GCG expression and GLP-1 secretion (PubMed: 24907567).

Other names

ProglucagonGlucagon-like peptide 1GLP-1Glucagon-like peptide 2GLP-2GlicentinOxyntomodulin

Agonism of the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) or glucagon-like peptide 2 receptor (GLP-2R), or inhibition of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme to increase levels of active incretin peptides.