Molecular mechanisms of incretin hormone secretion

Incretin peptides (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)) are secreted from enteroendocrine cells in the intestinal epithelium, and help to coordinate metabolic responses to food ingestion. A number of molecular mechanisms have recently been defined that underlie carbohydrate, lipid and protein sensing in gut endocrine cells. Knockout mice lacking sodium glucose tranporter-1 (SGLT-1) or the short chain fatty acid sensing receptor FFAR2 (GPR43), for example, have highlighted the importance of these molecules in incretin secretion. This review outlines our current understanding of sensory pathways in incretin secreting cells and highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting them for the development of novel therapies for obesity and diabetes.