Murine GLUTag cells

Abstract

The incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) serves as a link between ingested nutrients and insulin secretion. Because of the anti-diabetic properties exerted by GLP-1, several derivative drugs are currently in the market for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. Over the past few years, several cell lines have been established as useful models for the study of the GLP-1-secreting enteroendocrine L-cells. This review focuses on the murine GLUTag cell line, derived from colonic tumours of transgenic mice expressing large T antigen under the control of the proglucagon promoter. These cells are widely used to examine the effects of food components on GLP-1 secretion, as well as the signaling pathways underlying nutrient-induced GLP-1 release. The effects of different food components, as well as of nutrient-related signals, on GLP-1 secretion, and the protocols for the maintenance and use of the murine GLUTag L-cell line will be discussed.