Biological actions of glucagon-like peptide(GLP)-2 revealed — how pluripotential is the glucagon gene?

Recently published data from the group of Drucker indicate that glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-2 induces intestinal epithelial proliferation. This is the first biological effect assigned to this proglucagon-derived peptide (PGDP) and represents, perhaps, the most convincing evidence, so far, to support the existing hypothesis that PGDPs can act to promote intestinal epithelial growth and adaptation. Also, these findings prompt certain clinical considerations. Here, we summarise the reported effects of GLP-2 and highlight the important questions which need to be addressed with special reference to the clinical implications.