Amylin Peptides

Islet, or insulinoma, amyloid polypeptide (IAPP, or amylin) is commonly found in pancreatic islets of patients suffering diabetes mellitus type 2, or harboring an insulinoma. While the association of amylin with the development of type 2 diabetes has been known for some time, a direct causative role for amylin has been harder to establish. Recent results suggest that amylin, like the related beta-amyloid(Abeta) associated with Alzheimer's disease, can induce apoptotic cell-death in insulin-producing beta cells, an effect that may be relevant to the development of type 2 diabetes Finally, a recent study reported a synergistic effect for weight loss with leptin and amylin coadministration in diet-induced obese rats by restoring hypothalamic sensitivity to leptin.

Exendins are secreted by lizard venom gland. They have a VIP/secretin-like biological activity when binding to the exendin receptor. Exedin-4 (named Byetta, Amylin/Eli Lilly) is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin secretion.