BACKGROUND/AIM: Liraglutide as a long-acting glucagon-like peptide drug has anti-hyperglycemic and antiobesity effects. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are well-known drug target molecules that conduct critical signaling pathways related with diseases. Research has confirmed the role of many GPCRs genes in the regulation of pancreatic beta cell functions and insulin secretion. Liraglutide dependent expressional changes in GPCR genes may let us determine new drug targets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Therefore, we investigated the changes in expression of GPR75, GPR56, GLP1R, M3R, and CB1R genes, which are the GPCR family members, in response to liraglutide treatment in the NIT-1 mouse pancreatic beta cells in this study. Changes at the mRNA levels of these GPCR genes were determined by a qPCR and the ddCT method, and using a control gene and untreated control groups.

RESULTS

We found statistically significant increases at the mRNA levels of GPR75, GPR56, M3R, and CB1R genes with 10nM of liraglutide at min 60, while there was no time and dose-dependent change in all of the genes investigated. We detected that the GLP1R gene expressions were stable amongst different time points and doses of liraglutide, except for a statistically significant decrease in the GLP1R gene expression in response to 1000nM of liraglutide treatment compared to 10nM and 100nM concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that in vitro liraglutide administration in pancreatic beta cells appears to increase the expressions of GPR75, GPR56, M3R and CB1R genes which have already been related to insulin secretion and beta cell survive. Liraglutide may exert this effect through the GLP1R or other cellular pathways undescribed yet. Combined usage of liraglutide and the specific ligands of GPR75, GPR56, M3R, and CB1R may provide a better response in terms of insulin secretion and beta cell survival, making them good targets for antidiabetic and antiobesity therapy.