GLP-2 TZ

GLP-2-TZ is a synthetic analog of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), designed with structural modifications that confer resistance to DPP-IV degradation — analogous to the modifications found in teduglutide (Gattex/Revestive), the FDA-approved GLP-2 analog for short bowel syndrome. Native GLP-2 has a ~7-minute plasma half-life due to rapid DPP-IV cleavage at position 2; teduglutide and related analogs like GLP-2-TZ incorporate an Ala2 substitution (replacing Gly2 in native GLP-2) to resist this degradation. GLP-2-TZ is used as a research tool to study GLP-2R-mediated intestinal physiology.

The GLP-2 receptor (GLP-2R) is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) whose expression is highly restricted to the gastrointestinal tract. Primary expression sites include intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts (ISEMFs), enteric neurons of the submucosal and myenteric plexus, and scattered enteroendocrine cells. This tissue specificity distinguishes GLP-2R from GLP-1R, which is expressed broadly (pancreas, heart, brain, kidney). The restricted expression pattern means GLP-2 analogs primarily affect intestinal physiology, which is central to their research relevance for intestinal adaptation and short bowel syndrome.

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) results from surgical resection of large portions of the small intestine, leaving insufficient absorptive surface area to maintain adequate nutrition without parenteral support. The intestine normally undergoes adaptation after resection — a process involving villus hyperplasia and crypt expansion — that GLP-2 signaling modulates. GLP-2 is naturally elevated after intestinal resection, suggesting it plays a physiological role in adaptation. Teduglutide (the approved GLP-2 analog) exploits this mechanism to enhance intestinal adaptation in SBS patients, reducing dependence on parenteral nutrition.

GLP-2-TZ is used in intestinal biology research models including: small bowel resection/intestinal adaptation models (rodents); intestinal organoid/enteroid culture systems for mucosal growth studies; intestinal permeability and barrier function assays; inflammatory bowel disease models (colitis, Crohn's); and in vitro GLP-2R binding and signaling studies. The compound is also used to investigate paracrine signaling between enteric neurons, ISEMFs, and epithelial cells in the intestinal niche.

Yes — teduglutide (Gattex in the US, Revestive in Europe) is an FDA-approved GLP-2 analog for SBS with intestinal failure in adults, approved in 2012. GLP-2-TZ is not the same compound as teduglutide and has not undergone independent clinical development. GLP-2-TZ is sold as a research tool compound to study GLP-2 receptor biology and is not for human therapeutic use. Researchers use it to study the mechanistic underpinnings of GLP-2 receptor pharmacology without the cost and regulatory restrictions of the pharmaceutical product.

Store lyophilized GLP-2-TZ at -20°C, protected from light. Reconstitute in bacteriostatic water or sterile saline to desired concentration. Once reconstituted, store at 2–8°C and use within 30 days. Minimize freeze-thaw cycles by preparing single-use aliquots. For cell culture experiments, ensure solutions are sterile-filtered. Consult published intestinal adaptation protocols for species-specific dosing guidance relevant to your research model.