Optical Control of Insulin Secretion Using an Incretin Switch.

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl · 2015

Last updated 2026-05-28

Researchers created a light-sensitive version of a GLP-1 drug called liraglutide, named LirAzo, which can be controlled with light. When exposed to light, LirAzo changes its effect on cells, either increasing calcium levels or boosting cAMP production, allowing for precise control of insulin release and cell survival. The drug is designed to mimic natural incretins, which help regulate blood sugar and weight.

AI summary of the abstract below.

Journal	Angew Chem Int Ed Engl, 2015
Citations	70
Relative citation ratio	2.27
NIH percentile	77
Molecules	—
Conditions studied	Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Incretin mimetics are set to become a mainstay of type 2 diabetes treatment. By acting on the pancreas and brain, they potentiate insulin secretion and induce weight loss to preserve normoglycemia. Despite this, incretin therapy has been associated with off-target effects, including nausea and gastrointestinal disturbance. A novel photoswitchable incretin mimetic based upon the specific glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist liraglutide was designed, synthesized, and tested. This peptidic compound, termed LirAzo, possesses an azobenzene photoresponsive element, affording isomer-biased GLP-1R signaling as a result of differential activation of second messenger pathways in response to light. While the trans isomer primarily engages calcium influx, the cis isomer favors cAMP generation. LirAzo thus allows optical control of insulin secretion and cell survival.

Verbatim abstract via PubMed 26585495 ↗