Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor and Proglucagon Expression in Mouse Skin

In 2006, researchers discovered that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and proglucagon are expressed in the skin of newborn mice, particularly in hair follicles, and that GLP-1 can activate the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in skin-derived cell cultures, which is associated with cell proliferation and differentiation. The study also found that these skin-derived cells could redifferentiate to produce insulin C-peptide under the influence of GLP-1. These findings suggest a potential role for GLP-1 in skin development and hair growth, and raise the possibility of using GLP-1 agonists to stimulate hair or skin growth. Additionally, the ability of skin-derived cells to differentiate into insulin-expressing cells may have implications for diabetes treatment. The study did not specify the number of mice or cultured cells used, and further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of these findings. The research was funded by USPHS grants and involved the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.