GIP Human

Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide (GIP), also known as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the regulation of insulin secretion. It belongs to the incretin family of hormones, which are released after eating and stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas.

GIP is derived from a 153-amino acid proprotein encoded by the GIP gene. It circulates as a biologically active 42-amino acid peptide . The hormone is synthesized by K cells, which are found in the mucosa of the duodenum and the jejunum of the gastrointestinal tract . Like all endocrine hormones, GIP is transported by blood to its target organs.

While GIP was initially thought to inhibit gastric acid secretion, it is now known that its primary function is to stimulate insulin secretion in response to oral glucose intake . This makes it a key player in glucose homeostasis. GIP receptors, which are seven-transmembrane proteins (GPCRs), are found on beta-cells in the pancreas . When glucose levels in the duodenum rise, GIP is released and binds to these receptors, triggering insulin secretion.

In addition to its insulinotropic effects, GIP also inhibits apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells and promotes their proliferation . It stimulates glucagon secretion and fat accumulation, and its receptors are expressed in various organs and tissues, including the central nervous system . This allows GIP to influence hippocampal memory formation and the regulation of appetite and satiety .

Human recombinant GIP is a synthetic form of the hormone produced using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene that encodes GIP into a host organism, such as bacteria or yeast, which then produces the hormone. Recombinant GIP is used in research and therapeutic applications to study its effects and potential benefits in treating conditions like diabetes and obesity .