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Nutrient sensing of gut luminal environment
A W Moran1, K Daly1, M A Al-Rammahi1,2
1Epithelial Function and Development Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, LiverpoolL69 7ZB, UK.
The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
|July 21, 2020
Summary
Nutrient-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) in the gut link food intake to digestion and health. Research into these gut chemosensors offers new therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Chemosensory cells in the gastrointestinal tract sense nutrients, relaying food composition information to regulate digestive processes.
- G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) responsive to various nutrients have been identified, primarily in intestinal enteroendocrine cells.
- These receptors mediate hormonal and neuronal signaling, crucial for gut-brain communication and metabolic regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of nutrient-sensing GPCR in the gastrointestinal tract.
- To highlight their potential as therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases.
- To discuss the emerging understanding of gut chemosensing in relation to nutrition, microbiota, and chronic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on nutrient-sensing GPCR in the gut.
- Analysis of the functional roles of these receptors in enteroendocrine cells.
- Exploration of therapeutic applications and future research directions.
Main Results:
- Nutrient-sensing GPCR are key mediators of food intake signals and digestive regulation.
- The gut sweet taste receptor exemplifies successful therapeutic targeting for weaning-related disorders.
- GPCR in L-cells are promising targets for treating diabetes and obesity.
- Gut chemosensing of microbial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) links nutrition, microbiota, and chronic disease.
Conclusions:
- Gut nutrient sensing is central to gastrointestinal physiology, health, and gut-brain communication.
- Further research in this area promises novel therapeutic strategies and nutritional recommendations.
- Targeting nutrient-sensing GPCR offers a promising avenue for managing metabolic health and chronic conditions.
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