Chickpea proteins are potential sources of bioactive peptides that induce glucose uptake via AMP-activated protein kinase

Abstract

Food proteins are a critical source of nutraceutical bioactive peptides that promote health and prevent diseases. Legume seed proteins have been extensively studied to produce peptides with diverse biological activities. Several legume protein hydrolysates and bioactive peptides have been identified that inhibit the activity of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV for the purpose of preventing diabetes. Herein, we observed that chickpea peptides (CPP), prepared using the enzymatic digestion of chickpea protein, induced glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes. Further, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and 2-deoxyglucose uptake assay were used to identify a bioactive CPP, defined as CPP737, REGDIIAVPTGVVF, a part of the legumin A-like protein. CPP737 induced AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and glucose transporter type 4 membrane translocation, but not protein kinase B in C2C12 myotubes. Thus, chickpea protein is a potential source of bioactive peptides that can prevent insulin resistance and hyperglycemia through glucose uptake in the skeletal muscle.