A 15-residue intestinal peptide that raises cGMP to drive salt and water secretion.
Also known as: GN · GUCA2A
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Guanylin is a 15-amino-acid peptide secreted by goblet cells of the colon and encoded by GUCA2A. As an endogenous agonist of the guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) receptor, it raises intracellular cGMP to regulate intestinal chloride, bicarbonate and water transport. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Secreted by colonic goblet cells (GUCA2A gene)
Primary research or clinical context: Gastrointestinal secretion and epithelial physiology research
Receptor and mechanism
Guanylin activates the guanylate cyclase-C receptor on intestinal epithelium, elevating cGMP and stimulating the CFTR channel to secrete chloride and bicarbonate. It shares this pathway with uroguanylin and with bacterial heat-stable enterotoxins that mimic these peptides.
Physiological role
By regulating fluid and electrolyte movement, guanylin helps maintain intestinal and renal salt-water balance. The GC-C pathway it defines is the target of drugs such as linaclotide, underscoring the relevance of this peptide family in gut physiology.
FAQ about Guanylin
What is Guanylin?+
Guanylin is a 15-amino-acid peptide secreted by goblet cells of the colon and encoded by GUCA2A. As an endogenous agonist of the guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) receptor, it raises intracellular cGMP to regulate intestinal chloride, bicarbonate and water transport. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Is Guanylin an approved medicine?+
Guanylin is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Gastrointestinal secretion and epithelial physiology research. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Guanylin?+
Guanylin is commonly described as approximately 15 amino acids (Signaling peptide (guanylin family)).