Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026

In Vitro Phagocytosis of Myelin Debris by Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages
Published on: December 30, 2017
Functions of omega-3 fatty acids and FFA4 (GPR120) in macrophages
1Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA) and College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), which are plentiful in fish oil, have been known for decades to be beneficial functional nutrients in different disease states. GPR120 is a G protein-coupled receptor for long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, including n-3 PUFAs, and was recently renamed free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4). Studies on FFA4-deficient mice and the development of specific pharmacological tools have started to unravel the functions of FFA4 associated with the actions of n-3 PUFAs in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation-related diseases. Here, the state of the art regarding the roles and functions of FFA4 and n-3 PUFA in macrophages are reviewed from the pharmacological perspective. In particular, the functions of n-3 PUFA on the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes of macrophages in different organs, such as, adipose tissues and liver, are discussed along with future research directions.
Related Concept Videos
IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
GPCR Desensitization

