Watch Video News Release (MPEG-4 format - Download Quicktime to watch)

Researchers from UA and Arizona State University are studying the digestive systems of Gila monsters as part of research that may affect the treatment of diabetes. Gila monsters are venomous lizards found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The saliva of this lizard contains a unique protein known as exendin-4, which has been found to have long-lasting effects in stimulating insulin release after feeding and thus lowering blood glucose levels. It has been commercially synthesized and is currently marketed to control hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic patients.

Dr. Stephen Secor, assistant professor of biological sciences at UA, and Dr. Dale Denardo and graduate student Carol Christel of Arizona State are currently investigating the metabolic responses of Gila monsters during digestion of various diets in order to learn more about exendin-4 and its affect on digestion.