Summary
This comprehensive review examines free fatty acid receptors (FFARs), a class of G protein-coupled receptors activated by dietary and microbially-derived fatty acids, and their dual roles in metabolism and immune regulation. The authors discuss how FFAR-mediated signalling integrates fatty acid metabolism with inflammatory responses and hormone secretion, highlighting FFAR1/FFAR4 (responding to long-chain fatty acids) and FFAR2/FFAR3 (responding to short-chain fatty acids from fibre fermentation) as key regulatory nodes. The review identifies therapeutic development opportunities targeting FFAR pathways for metabolic and immune disorders.
Regional applicability
This mechanistic review of receptor biology and fatty acid signalling is not geographically specific and is applicable globally, including in United Kingdom research and clinical contexts. The findings may inform future dietary and therapeutic strategies in UK nutrition science and pharmaceutical development, particularly regarding modulation of short-chain fatty acid production through dietary fibre intake.
Key measures
FFAR activation by fatty acids; FFAR1 (GPR40) and FFAR4 (GPR120) activation by long-chain fatty acids; FFAR2 (GPR43) and FFAR3 (GPR41) activation by short-chain fatty acids (acetate, butyrate, propionate); inflammation regulation; peptide hormone secretion
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on the physiological functions of free fatty acid receptors (FFARs) activated by long-chain fatty acids and short-chain fatty acids, particularly their roles in metabolism regulation and immune responses. It identifies therapeutic opportunities for metabolic and immune disorders through FFAR-mediated signalling pathways.
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