G protein-coupled receptors as new therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the gut–brain–pancreatic axis are key players in the postprandial control of metabolism and food intake. A number of intestinally located receptors have been implicated in the chemo-detection of ingested nutrients, and in the pancreatic islets and nervous system GPCRs play essential roles in the detection of many hormones and neurotransmitters. Because of the diversity, cell-specific expression and ‘druggability’ of the GPCR superfamily, these receptors are popular targets for therapeutic development. This review will outline current and potential future approaches to develop GPCR agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This review summarises a presentation given at the ‘Novel approaches to treating type 2 diabetes’ symposium at the 2015 annual meeting of the EASD. It is accompanied by a commentary by the Session Chair, Michael Nauck (DOI: 10.1007/s00125-015-3823-1).