Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) (IAPP)

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), also known as amylin, is a 37-amino acid peptide hormone that is co-secreted with insulin by the pancreatic beta cells in response to nutrient intake (UniProt: P10997). Its primary physiological role involves regulating glucose metabolism by slowing gastric emptying, suppressing postprandial glucagon secretion, and promoting satiety via central nervous system pathways (PubMed: 22841571). In patients with Type 2 diabetes, IAPP has a significant pathological role as it possesses a high propensity to misfold and aggregate into toxic oligomers and amyloid fibrils, which contribute to the progressive loss of pancreatic beta-cell mass (NCBI: NBK1667). Therapeutic strategies involving IAPP include the use of stable synthetic analogs like pramlintide to replace its glucose-regulating functions in diabetic patients, as well as ongoing research into small molecules and antibodies that can inhibit its toxic aggregation (PubMed: 32039245). For drug developers, IAPP represents a critical target for managing metabolic disorders, although therapeutic use is often complicated by its potent effect on gastric motility and potential for amyloid formation.

Other names

AmylinDiabetes-associated peptideInsulinoma amyloid peptideDAPIAP

Amylin receptor agonist; Inhibition of amyloid aggregation