Free fatty acid receptor 3

Free Fatty Acid Receptor 3 (FFAR3), also known as GPR41, is a G protein-coupled receptor that is encoded by the FFAR3 gene in humans. This receptor is part of the free fatty acid receptor family and plays a significant role in the regulation of energy homeostasis, inflammation, and gut microbiota interactions. FFAR3 is predominantly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, adipose tissue, and the immune system, where it is involved in the sensing of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the gut microbiota during the fermentation of dietary fibers.

Function[edit | edit source]

FFAR3 is activated by SCFAs, particularly acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which are produced by the bacterial fermentation of dietary fibers in the colon. Upon activation, FFAR3 can influence various physiological processes, including the regulation of glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and the modulation of inflammatory responses. In the gastrointestinal tract, FFAR3 activation enhances the secretion of peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), hormones that are important for appetite regulation and glucose metabolism. In adipose tissue, FFAR3 influences lipid metabolism and has been implicated in the regulation of energy expenditure and adipogenesis. Furthermore, FFAR3 plays a role in the immune system by modulating the production of inflammatory cytokines, thereby contributing to the maintenance of immune homeostasis.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The role of FFAR3 in energy homeostasis and immune regulation suggests its potential as a therapeutic target for treating metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Modulation of FFAR3 activity has been explored in the context of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Agonists of FFAR3 may help in improving glucose metabolism and reducing inflammation, whereas antagonists could potentially be used to modulate immune responses in inflammatory conditions.

Research Directions[edit | edit source]

Research on FFAR3 is ongoing, with studies focusing on elucidating its precise mechanisms of action and its interactions with other metabolic and immune pathways. The development of specific agonists and antagonists for FFAR3 is an area of interest, as these could serve as potential therapeutic agents for metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, understanding the role of FFAR3 in the gut-brain axis and its impact on appetite and satiety could open new avenues for the treatment of obesity and eating disorders.