Glucagon‐like peptide 1‐potentiated insulin secretion and proliferation of pancreatic β‐cells GLP‐1促进胰岛素分泌和胰岛β细胞增殖的机制

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is the primary incretin hormone secreted from the intestine upon uptake of food to stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic β‐cells. GLP‐1 exerts its effects by binding to its G‐protein coupled receptors and subsequently activating adenylate cyclase, leading to generation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). cAMP stimulates insulin secretion via activation of its effectors PKA and Epac2 in pancreatic β‐cells. In addition to its insulinotropic effects, GLP‐1 also preserves pancreatic β‐cell mass by stimulating β‐cell proliferation. Unlike the action of sulphonylureas in lowering blood glucose levels, action of GLP‐1 is affected by and interplays with glucose levels. Due to such advantages, GLP‐1‐based therapeutics have been rapidly developed and used clinically for treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, molecular mechanisms underlying how GLP‐1 potentiates diminished glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion and β‐cell proliferation under diabetic conditions are not well understood. Here, we review the actions of GLP‐1 in regulation of insulin secretion and pancreatic β‐cell proliferation.