| abstract |
An isolated chimeric GLP-1 nucleic acid sequence encoding a human pro-insulin leader, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and a furin cleavable site between the human pro-insulin leader sequence and the GLP-1 is provided. Also provided is an isolated modified chimeric GLP-1 nucleic acid sequence encoding a human pro-insulin leader, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and a furin cleavable site between the human pro-insulin leader sequence and the GLP-1. Recombinant expression vectors, human transfected cells and methods of producing human GLP-1 constitutively are also provided, as are method of producing GLP-1 and insulin in a glucose-dependent manner using such transfected cells. Also provided are methods of treating a subject having Type II diabetes, methods of treating a subject prone to hyperglycemia or suffering from hyperglycemia and methods of reducing weight in a subject. |