What Is GLP-1 1-37 and Its Role in the Body

GLP-1 1-37 represents the complete, unprocessed form of glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone primarily produced in the intestines after food intake. This 37-amino acid peptide is part of the incretin family of hormones that help regulate blood glucose levels through multiple mechanisms.

When we consume food, GLP-1 1-37 is secreted by L-cells in the intestinal epithelium in response to nutrient detection. Once released, it undergoes partial conversion to its more active forms, including GLP-1 7-36 and GLP-1 7-37. These hormones collectively stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells in a glucose-dependent manner, meaning they trigger insulin release only when blood glucose levels are elevated.

Beyond its insulin-stimulating effects, GLP-1 1-37 and its derivatives slow gastric emptying, suppress glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, and promote satiety through central nervous system action. This multifaceted approach to metabolic regulation makes the GLP-1 system a focal point for researchers studying metabolic disorders.

How GLP-1 1-37 Functions in Metabolic Processes

The biological activity of GLP-1 1-37 centers on its interaction with GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R), which are G protein-coupled receptors found throughout the body. While the full-length GLP-1 1-37 has lower binding affinity compared to its truncated forms, it still contributes to the overall incretin effect.

When GLP-1 1-37 or its active derivatives bind to receptors on pancreatic beta cells, they trigger a signaling cascade that increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. This biochemical change enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, helping to lower blood glucose levels after meals without risking hypoglycemia during fasting states.

Interestingly, GLP-1 also demonstrates protective effects on pancreatic beta cells, promoting their proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis (programmed cell death). This protective function suggests potential applications beyond glucose regulation, including pancreatic beta cell preservation in conditions like type 2 diabetes where beta cell mass typically declines over time.

The half-life of natural GLP-1 1-37 in circulation is extremely short—only about 1-2 minutes—due to rapid degradation by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). This brief biological activity has led researchers to develop modified GLP-1 receptor agonists with extended duration of action for therapeutic purposes.

GLP-1 1-37 Provider Comparison

For researchers and healthcare professionals interested in GLP-1 1-37 for laboratory or clinical applications, several providers offer this peptide with varying specifications and quality standards. The table below compares key aspects of major suppliers:

Provider Purity Format Research Support Price Range
Sigma-Aldrich ≥95% Lyophilized powder Extensive literature Medium-high
Thermo Fisher Scientific ≥98% Lyophilized or solution Technical support available High
Tocris Bioscience ≥95% Lyophilized powder Research citations provided Medium
Bachem ≥97% Custom synthesis available Extensive peptide expertise Medium-high

When selecting a provider, researchers should consider not only price but also the intended application, required purity, and available documentation. GenScript and Phoenix Pharmaceuticals also offer custom peptide synthesis services that may be suitable for specialized research needs involving GLP-1 1-37 or modified variants.

For clinical applications, pharmaceutical-grade GLP-1 receptor agonists are manufactured by companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, though these typically involve modified forms of GLP-1 rather than the native GLP-1 1-37 sequence.

Benefits and Limitations of GLP-1 1-37 Research

The investigation of GLP-1 1-37 offers several compelling advantages for metabolic research and potential therapeutic development. Its natural occurrence in the human body makes it an attractive target for biomimetic approaches to treating metabolic disorders.

Key Benefits:

  • Glucose-dependent action that reduces hypoglycemia risk
  • Multiple metabolic effects beyond insulin secretion
  • Potential beta cell protective properties
  • Natural compound with well-established physiological role
  • Growing research base supporting various applications

However, several limitations must be considered when working with native GLP-1 1-37:

Notable Limitations:

  • Extremely short half-life limiting practical applications
  • Lower receptor binding affinity compared to truncated forms
  • Challenges in delivery and stability
  • Potential for immunogenicity with repeated administration
  • Complex manufacturing process for research-grade material

These limitations have driven researchers to develop modified GLP-1 receptor agonists that maintain the beneficial effects while addressing the pharmacokinetic challenges. Companies like Amgen have invested in developing long-acting GLP-1 analogs that overcome many of these limitations for clinical applications.

Pricing and Availability Considerations

The cost of GLP-1 1-37 varies significantly depending on quality, quantity, and intended use. For research applications, pricing typically follows these general guidelines:

Research-Grade GLP-1 1-37:

  • Small quantities (1mg): $200-500
  • Medium quantities (5mg): $700-1,200
  • Bulk quantities: Negotiable with providers

Factors affecting pricing include purity specifications, additional quality control testing, and documentation requirements. Cayman Chemical offers various package sizes with corresponding price breaks for larger quantities, making it worthwhile to plan research needs carefully.

For specialized applications requiring custom modifications or specific formulations, costs can increase substantially. Most providers offer quotation services for custom orders rather than fixed catalog pricing.

Availability considerations include lead times, which typically range from 1-3 weeks for catalog items and 4-8 weeks for custom synthesis. Some providers maintain limited stock of ready-to-ship GLP-1 1-37, while others produce it on demand.

When budgeting for GLP-1 1-37 research, it's advisable to consider not only the peptide cost but also associated expenses for proper storage, handling equipment, and analytical validation. The investment in higher purity material often pays dividends in experimental reliability and reproducibility, particularly for sensitive applications.

Conclusion

GLP-1 1-37 represents an important component in our understanding of metabolic regulation and offers promising avenues for research into diabetes, obesity, and related conditions. While the native peptide faces limitations primarily related to its short half-life and lower receptor affinity, it continues to inform the development of therapeutic approaches targeting the GLP-1 receptor system.

For researchers exploring this area, selecting the appropriate source of GLP-1 1-37 requires careful consideration of quality, documentation, and intended application. The growing interest in incretin biology suggests that GLP-1 1-37 will remain a valuable focus for both basic science and translational research efforts.

As our understanding of GLP-1 biology continues to evolve, this peptide hormone and its derivatives stand at the intersection of endocrinology, metabolism, and drug development—highlighting the importance of continued investigation into its properties and potential applications.

Citations

This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.