Relevance of Autophagy Induction by Gastrointestinal Hormones: Focus on the Incretin-Based Drug Target and Glucagon

Keizo Kanasaki; Emi Kawakita; Daisuke Koya

doi:10.3389/fphar.2019.00476

Relevance of Autophagy Induction by Gastrointestinal Hormones: Focus on the Incretin-Based Drug Target and Glucagon

Front Pharmacol. 2019 May 16:10:476. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00476. eCollection 2019.

Authors

Keizo Kanasaki^{1

2}, Emi Kawakita¹, Daisuke Koya^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan.
² Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan.

Abstract

The biology of autophagy in health and disease conditions has been intensively analyzed for decades. Several potential interventions can induce autophagy in preclinical research; however, none of these interventions are ready for translation to clinical practice yet. The topic of the current review is the molecular regulation of autophagy by glucagon, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and the GLP-1-degrading enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Glucagon is a well-known polypeptide that induces autophagy. In contrast, GLP-1 has been shown to inhibit glucagon secretion; GLP-1 also has been related to the induction of autophagy. DPP-4 inhibitors can induce autophagy in a GLP-1-dependent manner, but other diverse effects could be relevant. Here, we analyze the distinct molecular regulation of autophagy by glucagon, GLP-1, and DPP-4 inhibitors. Additionally, the potential contribution to autophagy by glucagon and GLP-1 after bariatric surgery is discussed.

Keywords: DPP-4; GLP-1; autophagy; glucagon; incretin.

Publication types

Review