Content of research

Various gastrointestinal hormones released by enteroendocrine cells that sense nutrients in the digestive tract, play an important role in regulating various physiological responses after meals. We have focused on the gastrointestinal hormone GLP-1, which is known as an anti-diabetic hormone, and found a food peptide (derived from corn) that strongly promotes the secretion of GLP-1. By orally administering this peptide to rats, we found that GLP-1 secretion was promoted and plasma glucose elevation was suppressed. Our research is aimed to elucidate how this peptide is recognized by enteroendocrine cells, and to control postprandial plasma glucose levels and appetite by controlling the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones with various food components.

Potential for social implementation

• ・Functional food development
• ・Drug discovery

Appealing points to industry and local governments

It is considered possible to apply food ingredients that are hardly absorbed or unnecessary to be absorbed to the prevention of obesity and diabetes. We aim to contribute to the maintenance of human health by controlling the enteroendocrine system with orally ingested food or drugs by studying which structures of food peptides are recognized and by searching new nutrient receptors.