Work

A Light Activated Glucagon Trimer with Resistance to Fibrillation

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: In this work, we have brought the release of glucagon under the control of light. The aim of this approach is to allow minimally invasive, two-hormone control of blood glucose. Glucagon has two major challenges associated with its therapeutic application: (1) the required amount and timing of glucagon release is highly variable, and (2) glucagon rapidly fibrillates in solution, forming aggregates that are inactive. We have developed a light activated glucagon trimer, in which we have joined three glucagon molecules via light cleaved linkers. We demonstrated that this material can be stimulated by light to release glucagon in a predictable manner. In addition, we demonstrated that in the absence of light, the trimer does not form fibrils and thus releases normal unfibrillated glucagon upon irradiation. These qualities make this material ideal for incorporation into a two hormone light-activated artificial pancreas system.

Source: ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering

DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00031

Authors: Swetha Chintala, Simon H. Friedman

Institution: University of Missouri–Kansas City

Language: English

Topic: Pancreatic function and diabetes

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: University of Missouri, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases