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Post ingestive systemic nutrient sensing for whole-body homeostasis
Gahbien Lee1, Jiyeon Lee1, Greg S B Suh2
1Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
Molecules and Cells
|August 31, 2025
Summary
This review details how organs like the gut and brain sense nutrients after eating. This systemic nutrient sensing is vital for maintaining metabolic homeostasis across species.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Metabolism
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Systemic nutrient sensing is crucial for matching nutrient availability with metabolic needs.
- Internal organs, including the intestine, pancreas, portal vein, and brain, possess specialized nutrient sensors.
- These sensors differ from oral taste receptors, monitoring internal nutrient levels post-ingestion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of nutrient sensing in key organs.
- To explore how these signals are integrated into neural and hormonal circuits.
- To compare nutrient sensing across species, including mammals and Drosophila.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of systemic nutrient sensing mechanisms.
- Analysis of endocrine and neural signaling pathways involved in nutrient detection.
- Comparative analysis of mammalian and invertebrate nutrient sensing models.
Main Results:
- Identified specific nutrient sensors in the intestine, pancreas, portal vein, and brain.
- Described mechanisms for detecting macronutrients and micronutrients.
- Illustrated the integration of nutrient signals into systemic regulatory circuits.
Conclusions:
- Organ-level nutrient sensing is a fundamental process for metabolic homeostasis.
- Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into whole-body nutrient balance.
- Comparative studies highlight conserved principles of nutrient sensing across diverse species.
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