Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1

Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1), also known as GPR81, is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is encoded by the HCAR1 gene in humans. This receptor is primarily activated by lactate, a key metabolite in energy metabolism.

Function

HCAR1 is involved in the regulation of lipolysis in adipose tissue. When activated by lactate, HCAR1 inhibits the breakdown of fatty acids, thereby reducing the release of free fatty acids into the bloodstream. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining energy homeostasis and is particularly important during exercise when lactate levels are elevated.

Expression

HCAR1 is predominantly expressed in adipose tissue, but it is also found in other tissues such as the skeletal muscle and the brain. Its expression in the brain suggests a potential role in neurotransmission and neuroprotection.

Clinical Significance

The modulation of HCAR1 activity has been implicated in various metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. As a result, HCAR1 is considered a potential target for the development of new therapeutic agents aimed at treating these conditions.

Research

Recent studies have explored the role of HCAR1 in cancer metabolism, as cancer cells often exhibit altered lactate production and utilization. Understanding the interaction between HCAR1 and lactate in the tumor microenvironment could lead to novel approaches in cancer therapy.

See Also

• G protein-coupled receptor
• Lactate
• Energy metabolism
• Lipolysis

External Links

• Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 on WikiMD