NCBI and Uniprot Product Information
NCBI Description
The protein encoded by this gene is actually a preproprotein that is cleaved into four distinct mature peptides. One of these, glucagon, is a pancreatic hormone that counteracts the glucose-lowering action of insulin by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Glucagon is a ligand for a specific G-protein linked receptor whose signalling pathway controls cell proliferation. Two of the other peptides are secreted from gut endocrine cells and promote nutrient absorption through distinct mechanisms. Finally, the fourth peptide is similar to glicentin, an active enteroglucagon. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Uniprot Description
GCG: Glucagon plays a key role in glucose metabolism and homeostasis. Regulates blood glucose by increasing gluconeogenesis and decreasing glycolysis. A counterregulatory hormone of insulin, raises plasma glucose levels in response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Plays an important role in initiating and maintaining hyperglycemic conditions in diabetes. Glucagon release is stimulated by hypoglycemia and inhibited by hyperglycemia, insulin, and somatostatin. GLP-1 and GLP-2 are induced in response to nutrient ingestion. Glucagon is secreted in the A cells of the islets of Langerhans. GLP-1, GLP-2, oxyntomodulin and glicentin are secreted from enteroendocrine cells throughout the gastrointestinal tract. GLP1 and GLP2 are also secreted in selected neurons in the brain. Belongs to the glucagon family.
Protein type: Hormone; Secreted, signal peptide; Secreted
Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 2q36-q37
Cellular Component: extracellular space; endoplasmic reticulum lumen; extracellular region; plasma membrane
Molecular Function: identical protein binding; protein binding; hormone activity; glucagon receptor binding; receptor binding
Biological Process: positive regulation of protein binding; positive regulation of histone H3-K4 methylation; signal transduction; positive regulation of peptidyl-serine phosphorylation; G-protein signaling, coupled to cAMP nucleotide second messenger; response to starvation; G-protein coupled receptor protein signaling pathway; cell proliferation; cellular protein metabolic process; positive regulation of protein kinase activity; positive regulation of cAMP biosynthetic process; energy reserve metabolic process; feeding behavior; regulation of insulin secretion; negative regulation of apoptosis