The Role of HERG channel in the Secretion of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) from Murine Intestinal L-Cells

HERG ion channel is a member of the Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels. A reduction in HERG function reduces potassium efflux during repolarization. Previous research has shown that patients with long QT syndrome due to HERG mutations have increased secretion of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). However, the role of HERG in GLP-1 secretion remains uncertain. Here we report that HERG is expressed in GLP-1-producing L-cells in rodent intestinal epithelium. In a mouse L-cell model (GLUTag cell line), downregulation of HERG significantly prolonged action potential duration, increased intracellular calcium concentration, and stimulated GLP-1 secretion after exposure to nutrients. These findings suggest that HERG in the intestine plays a direct role in GLP-1 secretion and may be a potential target for diabetes treatment.