1/2/2024 0 Comments Duck billed platypus venom![]() ![]() But while the platypus has spurs on its hind limbs for delivering a large amount of venom to its opponent, there is no such spur on echidnas. GLP-1 has also been discovered in the venom of echidnas. ![]() “Excitingly, stable GLP-1 molecules are highly desirable as potential type 2 diabetes treatments.” “The function in venom has most likely triggered the evolution of a stable form of GLP-1 in monotremes.” Briony Forbes, from the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute and Flinders University’s School of Medicine. “This tug of war between the different functions has resulted in dramatic changes in the GLP-1 system,” said co-lead author Dr. The authors discovered conflicting functions of GLP-1 in the platypus: in the gut as a regulator of blood glucose, and in venom to fend off other platypus males during breeding season. “Further analysis of the genetics of monotremes reveals that there seems to be a kind of molecular warfare going on between the function of GLP-1, which is produced in the gut but surprisingly also in their venom,” he added. “We’ve found that GLP-1 is degraded in monotremes by a completely different mechanism.” Frank Grutzner, from the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute. “Our team has discovered that monotremes - echidnas ( Zaglossus sp.) and platypus - have evolved changes in the hormone GLP-1 that make it resistant to the rapid degradation normally seen in humans,” said co-lead author Prof. In people with type 2 diabetes, the short stimulus triggered by the hormone isn’t sufficient to maintain a proper blood sugar balance.Īs a result, medication that includes a longer lasting form of GLP-1 is needed to help provide an extended release of insulin. It acts through the GLP-1 receptor expressed in the pancreas, brain and other peripheral tissues.”īut GLP-1 typically degrades within minutes. “GLP-1 potentiates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and promotes their survival. ![]() “In humans GLP-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) are the only known insulin stimulating incretin hormones and are released from intestinal cells after food intake,” the researchers said. It is normally secreted in the gut of both humans and animals, stimulating the release of insulin to lower blood glucose. The hormone in question is called GLP-1 (glucagons-like peptide 1). This image is a digital reproduction of a painting by John Lewin of a platypus in 1808. ![]()
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