GCG
GeneName
GCG
Summary
GCG, commonly known as glucagon, is a 21 kDa peptide hormone primarily produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas. It plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and homeostasis by promoting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver. Glucagon is secreted into the bloodstream and acts on various tissues, where it binds to glucagon receptors, initiating a cascade of intracellular signalling events that increase blood glucose levels. It is also involved in regulating feeding behaviour and has implications in the negative regulation of apoptosis, thereby influencing cell survival. The protein is localized in several compartments, including the endoplasmic reticulum lumen, secretory granule lumen, and extracellular region.
Importance
GCG is relevant to: - Diabetes research, as it is a key hormone in glucose regulation and its dysregulation can lead to hyperglycaemia. - Studies on appetite control and metabolic disorders, given its role in feeding behaviour. - Understanding the mechanisms of G protein-coupled receptor signalling pathways, which are fundamental in various physiological processes. - Investigations into the regulation of insulin secretion, which is vital for maintaining glucose homeostasis.
Top Products
For researchers investigating GCG, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies. The first is the well-cited monoclonal antibody, Anti-Glucagon antibody [K79bB10] (ab10988), which has garnered 218 citations and is particularly effective for immunohistochemistry (IHC). This product is highly regarded in the field for its reliability and performance. Additionally, we offer the recombinant antibody, Anti-Glucagon antibody [EP3070] (ab92517), which is validated for both IHC and western blotting (WB). With 118 citations, this recombinant antibody provides the added benefit of batch-to-batch consistency, making it an ideal choice for researchers seeking dependable results in their studies of GCG. The Human GLP-1 (7-36) ELISA Kit (ab229413), supported by 2 citations, is an excellent option for researchers looking to accurately measure GLP-1 levels in their samples.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates that GCG antibodies are predominantly used in studies involving mouse models, particularly focusing on pancreatic tissues and related conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes, and pancreatic lesions. The applications include immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, highlighting the importance of GCG in understanding pancreatic function and pathology.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Function
Glucagon
Plays a key role in glucose metabolism and homeostasis. Regulates blood glucose by increasing gluconeogenesis and decreasing glycolysis. A counterregulatory hormone of insulin, raises plasma glucose levels in response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Plays an important role in initiating and maintaining hyperglycemic conditions in diabetes.
Glucagon-like peptide 1
Potent stimulator of glucose-dependent insulin release. Also stimulates insulin release in response to IL6 (PubMed:22037645). Plays important roles on gastric motility and the suppression of plasma glucagon levels. May be involved in the suppression of satiety and stimulation of glucose disposal in peripheral tissues, independent of the actions of insulin. Has growth-promoting activities on intestinal epithelium. May also regulate the hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA) via effects on LH, TSH, CRH, oxytocin, and vasopressin secretion. Increases islet mass through stimulation of islet neogenesis and pancreatic beta cell proliferation. Inhibits beta cell apoptosis (Probable).
Glucagon-like peptide 2
Stimulates intestinal growth and up-regulates villus height in the small intestine, concomitant with increased crypt cell proliferation and decreased enterocyte apoptosis. The gastrointestinal tract, from the stomach to the colon is the principal target for GLP-2 action. Plays a key role in nutrient homeostasis, enhancing nutrient assimilation through enhanced gastrointestinal function, as well as increasing nutrient disposal. Stimulates intestinal glucose transport and decreases mucosal permeability.
Oxyntomodulin
Significantly reduces food intake. Inhibits gastric emptying in humans. Suppression of gastric emptying may lead to increased gastric distension, which may contribute to satiety by causing a sensation of fullness.
Glicentin
May modulate gastric acid secretion and the gastro-pyloro-duodenal activity. May play an important role in intestinal mucosal growth in the early period of life.
Post-translational modifications
Proglucagon is post-translationally processed in a tissue-specific manner in pancreatic A cells and intestinal L cells. In pancreatic A cells, the major bioactive hormone is glucagon cleaved by PCSK2/PC2. In the intestinal L cells PCSK1/PC1 liberates GLP-1, GLP-2, glicentin and oxyntomodulin. GLP-1 is further N-terminally truncated by post-translational processing in the intestinal L cells resulting in GLP-1(7-37) GLP-1-(7-36)amide. The C-terminal amidation is neither important for the metabolism of GLP-1 nor for its effects on the endocrine pancreas.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the glucagon family.
Tissue Specificity
Glucagon
Secreted in the A cells of the islets of Langerhans.
Glucagon-like peptide 1
Secreted in the A cells of the islets of Langerhans (PubMed:22037645). Secreted from enteroendocrine L cells throughout the gastrointestinal tract (PubMed:22037645). Also secreted in selected neurons in the brain.
Glucagon-like peptide 2
Secreted from enteroendocrine cells throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Also secreted in selected neurons in the brain.
Glicentin
Secreted from enteroendocrine cells throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
Oxyntomodulin
Secreted from enteroendocrine cells throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
Cellular localization
- Secreted
- Glucagon-like peptide 1
- Secreted
Alternative names
Pro-glucagon, GCG