FFAR2
FFAR2 (free fatty acid receptor 2, also known as GPR43 or FFA2R) is a G protein-coupled receptor activated by short chain fatty acids produced when the gut microbiome digests dietary fibre. It contributes to whole-body energy homeostasis and intestinal immunity. Browse Assay Genie's current range of FFAR2 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
FFAR2 is a G protein-coupled receptor that senses the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate, propionate and butyrate. In omnivorous mammals these molecules are produced mainly by the gut microbiome as it metabolises dietary fibre, and they act both as an energy source and as signalling molecules. Among SCFAs, those with fewer than six carbons are the likely most potent activators, with acetate, propionate and butyrate leading. The receptor is probably coupled to the pertussis toxin-sensitive G(i/o)-alpha family of G proteins and also to the Gq family. Activation leads to formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, mobilisation of intracellular calcium, phosphorylation of the MAPK3/ERK1 and MAPK1/ERK2 kinases, and inhibition of intracellular cAMP accumulation. The receptor also shows SCFA-independent constitutive activity.
Functionally, FFAR2 may contribute to glucose homeostasis by regulating GLP-1 secretion in response to SCFAs accumulating in the intestine. It may also regulate production of leptin, a hormone that acts on the central nervous system to inhibit food intake, and influence energy balance through adipogenesis, affecting both differentiation and lipid storage in adipocytes. In parallel, it may mediate inflammatory and immune responses to SCFAs in the intestine, regulating rapid production of chemokines and cytokines, assisting resolution of inflammation and controlling neutrophil chemotaxis. The extracellular lectin FCN1 may also activate it, driving monocyte activation and IL-8 secretion in response to microbes.
The human FFAR2 gene encodes a member of the GP40 family of G protein-coupled receptors, clustered together on one chromosome, and belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor 1 family. HGNC places it in the free fatty acid receptors group, and its previous name was G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43). RefSeq notes possible involvement in the inflammatory response and in regulating plasma lipid levels. Orthologues are annotated in mouse and rat as Ffar2.
FFAR2 detects SCFAs generated by microbial fermentation of dietary fibre, making it a key receptor for studying host-microbiome communication.
The receptor may influence GLP-1 secretion, leptin production and adipocyte differentiation and lipid storage, relevant to glucose and energy regulation.
FFAR2 may regulate chemokine and cytokine production, neutrophil chemotaxis and resolution of inflammation in response to SCFAs.
Coupling to Gi/o and Gq leads to calcium mobilisation, ERK1/2 phosphorylation and reduced cAMP, offering a model for studying dual G protein signalling.
FFAR2 is a cell membrane G protein-coupled receptor activated by short chain fatty acids such as acetate, propionate and butyrate. It contributes to whole-body energy homeostasis and intestinal immunity, and its activation triggers calcium mobilisation, ERK1/2 phosphorylation and inhibition of cAMP accumulation.
Yes. GPR43 is the previous name of FFAR2, which stands for free fatty acid receptor 2; the earlier name was G protein-coupled receptor 43. FFA2R is another alias. HGNC classifies the gene within the free fatty acid receptors group, alongside FFAR1, FFAR3 and FFAR4.
Orthologues of the human FFAR2 gene are annotated in both mouse and rat, each named Ffar2. This allows rodent models to be used for studying its roles in metabolism and immunity; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other free fatty acid receptors that share the GPCR family and sense dietary and microbial fatty acids.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt O15552; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.