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Role of Exendin-4 in Gila Monster digestion
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by nietzsche on November 18, 2009
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I recently read that Exendin-4 might play a role in Gila Monster digestion, by regulating Glucose uptake.
Does anyone know if this has been proven to be true, and has any equivalent protein been found in snake venom?
Thank you
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RE: Role of Exendin-4 in Gila Monster digestion
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by BGF on November 18, 2009
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It plays no role at all in digestion. The study purporting that measured a serum increase of something that cross-reacted with their exendin antibody but didn't actually show it was an venom gland produced exendin peptide. They hypothesised that the exendin peptide in the venom was being absorbed in the stomach when the animal swallowed. However, like any other protein, it is broken down in the stomach rather than absorbed. If it was actually absorbed, then the use of exendin-4 as the anti-diabetes drug Byetta would be as a pill rather than an injection. Something the company involved no doubt explored as a route since a pill-based medicine is much more desirable due to the its inherently larger market than one that requires a visit to a Dr's office for an injection.
Our most recent paper shows that the exendin peptides have a role in venom as cardiotoxins. Exendins 3/4 represent the ancestral condition and are less potent than the more derived exendins 1/2 which are quite toxic.
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