Obesity is a growing health challenge. GLP-1 based medicines, such as Wegovy, mimic a natural hormone that tells the brain when we have eaten enough. However, they can cause severe side effects, and some people may become less responsive over time. We aim to find compounds that increase the number of intestinal L-cells, the body’s natural source of GLP-1. This could offer a new way to strengthen our natural feeling of fullness and support weight loss.
reNEW research
We engineered miniature models of the human intestine, called organoids, in which GLP-1-producing L-cells light up. We grow thousands of these organoids and expose them to different compounds. Automated imaging reveals which compounds increase or decrease L-cell numbers. Through this large-scale screen, we are searching for new ways to boost the intestine’s natural GLP-1 production.
Image description
A glowing L-cell within a miniature intestine: a tiny hormone factory guiding the body towards satiety.
Credits
Dr. Martti Maimets, Senior Scientist, Kim Jensen lab, reNEW Copenhagen.
Dr. Astrid Møller Baattrup, Postdoc, Kim Jensen lab, reNEW Copenhagen.
