GLP-2: What do we know? What are we going to discover?

Glucagon-like peptide 2 [GLP-2] is a 33-amino add peptide released from the mucosal enteroendocrine L-cells of the intestine. The actions of GLP-2 are transduced by the GLP-2 receptor [GLP-2R], which is localized in the neurons of the enteric nervous system but not in the intestinal epithelium, indicating an indirect mechanism of action. GLP-2 is well known for its trophic role within the intestine and interest in GLP-2 is now reviving based on the approval of the GLP-2R agonist for treatment of short bowel syndrome [SBS]. Recently it also seems to be involved in glucose homeostasis. The aim of this review is to outline the importance of neuroendocrine peptides, specifically of GLP-2 in the enteric modulation of the gastrointestinal function and to focus on new works in order to present an innovative picture of GLP-2. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.