FFAR4

FFAR4, or Free Fatty Acid Receptor 4, alias GPR120, Omega-3 Fatty Acid Receptor 1 (O3FAR1), G-Protein Coupled Receptor 120, etc. FFAR4 is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which is mainly expressed in tissues such as intestinal epithelial cells, adipocytes, macrophages, and others. Its mechanism of action is to regulate metabolic and inflammatory responses by binding to long-chain fatty acids, especially Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA), activating the receptor, which in turn activates adenylyl cyclase (AC) via Gαs proteins, leading to an increase in cAMP levels and the activation of downstream signaling pathways, such as PKA and EPAC.

The biological significance of FFAR4 is primarily reflected FFAR4's biological significance is mainly reflected in its regulatory effects on metabolism and immune responses. As a sensor of Omega-3 fatty acids, activation of FFAR4 promotes the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY), which helps to improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood glucose, and combat metabolic syndrome. In addition, FFAR4's role in immune cells includes regulating the polarization state of macrophages and influencing the production of inflammatory factors, thus playing a role in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.Abnormalities in the function of FFAR4 have been associated with a wide range of disorders including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer. Thus, FFAR4 is a potential drug target for the treatment of metabolic and inflammatory diseases.