Molecular Mechanisms of Proglucagon Sorting to the Regulated Secretory Pathway

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Background: Peptide hormones are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum as larger precursors or prohormones, transported through the Golgi, and sorted to the secretory granules of the regulated secretory pathway. Within these granules, prohormones are processed to their constituent peptide hormones and stored until a stimulus triggers their release. Proglucagon is the precursor of the pancreatic hormone glucagon and the intestinal hormones, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and -2. These peptides must be stored in secretory granules in order to be secreted in response to nutrients. Glucagon, the major glucose counter-regulatory hormone, is secreted in response to low blood glucose levels in order to maintain euglycemia. Both GLP-1 and GLP-2 are secreted in response to nutrient ingestion; GLP-1 stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion, and GLP-2 increases intestinal blood flow and nutrient absorption. My research program focuses on identifying the molecular mechanisms by which proglucagon is directed to secretory granules.