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FFA4/GPR120: Pharmacology and Therapeutic Opportunities

Graeme Milligan1, Elisa Alvarez-Curto1, Brian D Hudson1

  • 1Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.

Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
|July 24, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Free Fatty Acid receptor 4 (FFA4) agonists show promise for type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity. Research suggests FFA4 may also target other conditions like cancer and lung disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Free Fatty Acid receptor 4 (FFA4), also known as GPR120, is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR).
  • FFA4 is responsive to long-chain fatty acids and is a potential therapeutic target.
  • Growing attention is focused on FFA4 for metabolic and other diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the therapeutic potential of FFA4 agonists.
  • To contextualize the basis for targeting FFA4 in various conditions.
  • To discuss supporting research findings.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of primary publications and patents.
  • Analysis of preclinical data from animal models.
  • Discussion of receptor distribution and potential applications.

Main Results:

  • FFA4 agonists demonstrate potential to improve glucose disposition and insulin sensitivity in animal models.
  • Preclinical data support the efficacy of FFA4 targeting for type 2 diabetes.
  • Receptor distribution suggests broader therapeutic applications beyond diabetes.

Conclusions:

  • FFA4 represents a promising target for type 2 diabetes treatment.
  • Targeting FFA4 may offer therapeutic benefits for cancer and lung function.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the full potential of FFA4.
Keywords:
G protein-coupled receptorcancerdiabetesfree fatty acidlung function inflammation

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