GLP-2
Glucagon-Like Peptide-2
The gut growth factor
A 33-amino-acid peptide produced by intestinal L-cells. GLP-2 is the body's primary signal for intestinal growth and repair. Its analog teduglutide (Gattex) is FDA-approved for short bowel syndrome. GLP-2 stimulates crypt cell proliferation, increases villus height, enhances nutrient absorption, and restores gut barrier function.
Key Benefits
Intestinal epithelial growth and villus regeneration
Gut barrier restoration and reduced permeability
Enhanced nutrient and fluid absorption
Reduced intestinal inflammation and epithelial apoptosis
Mucosal blood flow improvement
Mechanism of Action
How GLP-2 works
GLP-2 drives intestinal repair through growth-factor signaling:
- Crypt cell proliferation — activates the GLP-2 receptor (GLP2R) on subepithelial myofibroblasts, triggering IGF-1, EGF, and KGF release that stimulates intestinal stem cells in the crypt to divide and replenish the epithelium
- Villus elongation — increases villus height and surface area, directly improving absorptive capacity for nutrients, electrolytes, and fluids
- Barrier restoration — upregulates tight junction proteins and increases mucosal blood flow, reducing intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation
- Apoptosis inhibition — reduces epithelial cell death in the villi, extending the lifespan of mature absorptive cells and maintaining functional epithelium
Your Genetics & GLP-2
Genetic variants that affect your response
These SNPs determine how effectively GLP-2 works for you specifically. A genetic peptide report identifies your variants before you start.
Variants in the GLP-2 receptor gene affect receptor density and binding affinity. Reduced-function variants may require higher doses of GLP-2 to achieve therapeutic intestinal growth responses.
Non-secretors (AA genotype) have altered gut mucosa glycosylation and microbiome composition. The resulting mucosal vulnerability makes GLP-2's barrier-restoration and growth effects particularly relevant.
DPP-4 is the enzyme that rapidly cleaves and inactivates native GLP-2. Variants affecting DPP-4 activity alter GLP-2 half-life — high DPP-4 expressors clear GLP-2 faster, potentially benefiting from DPP-4-resistant analogs like teduglutide.
GLP-2's intestinal growth effect is partly mediated through local IGF-1 release. Variants affecting IGF-1 expression may modulate the downstream proliferative response to GLP-2 receptor activation.
Which variants do you carry?
Upload your DNA data or order a kit to find out.
Evidence & Research
80+
Published studies
Published human or robust animal studies with clear mechanistic rationale
Common Stacks
GLP-2 is commonly combined with:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GLP-2 used for?
GLP-2 is used to stimulate intestinal growth, repair gut barrier function, and enhance nutrient absorption. Its FDA-approved analog teduglutide (Gattex) treats short bowel syndrome. In peptide protocols, GLP-2 targets gut permeability, malabsorption, and intestinal recovery after damage from IBD, chemotherapy, or chronic inflammation.
How is GLP-2 different from GLP-1?
GLP-1 and GLP-2 are co-secreted by intestinal L-cells but have different targets. GLP-1 acts on the pancreas (insulin secretion) and brain (appetite suppression) — it's the basis for semaglutide/Ozempic. GLP-2 acts on the intestine itself, driving epithelial growth and repair. They are complementary, not interchangeable.
Does genetics affect GLP-2 response?
Yes. GLP2R variants affect receptor binding and signaling efficiency. DPP-4 variants determine how quickly your body degrades native GLP-2. FUT2 secretor status influences baseline gut mucosal health. Genetic testing identifies these factors to optimize protocol design and dosing strategy.
Personalize your protocol
Does GLP-2 match your DNA?
Upload your existing genetic data or order a kit. Your report scores GLP-2 against your unique genetic profile — CYP metabolism, receptor variants, pathway markers — in minutes.