For the first time, scientists obtained high-definition images of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors, enabling future research into treatments for type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in Nature Communications.
For the first time, scientists have obtained high-definition images of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors (GLP1Rs), enabling future research into treatments for type-2 diabetes (T2D), according to a study published in Nature Communications.
GLP1Rs can be found in insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas and in brain neurons, but their small size makes them difficult for scientists to visualize. Their presence in the pancreas encourages the release of more insulin, curbs appetite, and stops the liver from producing excess glucose. For these reasons, GLP1Rs can help to reduce blood sugar levels, according to a news release.
In the study, researchers present LUXendin645, “a far-red florescent GLP1R antagonistic peptide label [that produces] intense and specific membrane labeling throughout live and fixed tissue.” Previously, visualization of GLP1R was limited to genetic manipulation, using probes to stimulate receptor activation, or antibody detection.
Through the use of LUXendin645 and LUXendin651, the researchers were able to describe “islet, brain and hESC [human embryonic stem cell]—derived β-like cell GLP1R expression patterns, reveal higher-order GLP1R organization including membrane nanodomains, and track single receptor subpopulations.”
They state, “Our super-resolution compatible labeling probes allow visualization of endogenous GLP1R and provide insight into class B GPCR [G protein-couple receptor] distribution and dynamics both in vitro and in vivo.”
Researchers used various techniques to reach their conclusions, including in vivo experimentation of the protein in mice, synthesizing marker compounds, immunostaining, and conducting microscopy using super-resolution.
Specifically, the study yielded the following conclusions:
“Our data…demonstrate an increase in sensitivity compared to other approaches capable of detecting native GLP1R protein,” researchers said. “These experiments provide the first super-resolution characterization of a class B GPCR and suggest a degree of complexity not readily appreciated with previous approaches.”
Reference:
Ast J, Arvaniti A, Fine NHF, et al. Super-resolution microscopy compatible fluorescent probes reveal endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor distribution and dynamics. Nat Commun. 2020;11(1):467. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-14309-w.
Research Points to Potential MCIDs in Diabetes Distress Scale–17
November 29th 2023Researchers identified a value of at least 0.25 to be a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in diabetes distress, and MCID values of 0.38 and 0.39 for emotional and interpersonal distress subscales and physician and regimen distress subscales, respectively.
Read More
How Can Employers Leverage the DPP to Improve Diabetes Rates?
February 15th 2022On this episode of Managed Care Cast, Jill Hutt, vice president of member services at the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health, explains the Coalition’s efforts to reduce diabetes rates through the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).
Listen
Balancing Care Access and Fragmentation for Better Outcomes in Veterans With Diabetes
April 22nd 2021The authors of a study in the April 2021 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® discuss the possible reasons behind the link between care fragmentation and hospitalizations in veterans with diabetes, as well as potential opportunities to address disjointed care in the context of the widespread telehealth uptake seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Listen