Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
10:28
Body Composition and Metabolic Caging Analysis in High Fat Fed Mice
Published on: May 24, 2018
[Diet-induced obesity and GPR120]
1Division of Molecular Medicine and Therapy, United Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine.
Summary
Free fatty acids activate GPR120, a receptor crucial for energy balance and fat sensing. GPR120 dysfunction is linked to obesity, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Free fatty acids (FFAs) are known ligands for G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
- GPR120, specifically activated by unsaturated long-chain FFAs, plays a vital role in physiological homeostasis.
- Recent research highlights GPR120's function as a lipid sensor in energy homeostasis and dietary fat sensing.
Purpose:
- To review recent developments concerning the G-protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120).
- To discuss the physiological roles of GPR120 in metabolic processes.
- To explore the potential of GPR120 as a drug target for metabolic disorders.
Summary:
- GPR120 is activated by unsaturated long-chain FFAs and is integral to incretin hormone secretion and adipogenesis.
- This lipid sensor is critical for sensing dietary fat and regulating energy homeostasis in humans and rodents.
- Dysfunction of GPR120 is recognized as a risk factor for diet-induced obesity.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the physiological significance of GPR120 in metabolic health.
- Identifies GPR120 as a potential therapeutic target for managing obesity and related metabolic conditions.
- Contributes to the understanding of lipid sensing mechanisms and their role in energy balance.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
01:09GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Some GPCRs transmit signals through adenylyl cyclase (AC), a transmembrane enzyme. AC helps synthesize second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). AC catalyzes cyclization reaction and converts ATP to cAMP by releasing a pyrophosphate. The pyrophosphate is further hydrolyzed to phosphate by the enzyme pyrophosphatase, which drives cAMP synthesis to completion. However, cAMP is rapidly degraded to 5′ AMP by the enzymes phosphodiesterase (PDE), preventing overstimulation of cells.
Two...
Two...
01:24Obesity
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
01:15G Protein-coupled Receptors
G Protein-Coupled Receptors or GPCRs are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to sensory stimuli such as light, odors, hormones, cytokines, or neurotransmitters.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
01:25Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Obesity significantly alters the pharmacokinetic processes of drug absorption and distribution, presenting unique challenges in medical treatment. The increased fat tissue and decreased lean muscle in obese individuals can significantly affect how drugs are absorbed into the body and distributed across different tissues. This alteration can lead to variances in the effectiveness and safety of medications, necessitating adjustments in dosing or drug selection for obese patients.One notable...
01:24Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...