Lipid receptors and islet function: therapeutic implications?

Diabetes Obes Metab. 2009 Nov;11 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):10-20. doi: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2009.01114.x.

Abstract

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are targets of approximately 30% of currently marketed drugs. Over the last few years, a number of GPCRs expressed in pancreatic beta-cells and activated by lipids have been discovered. GPR40 was shown to be activated by medium- to long-chain fatty acids (FAs). It has since been shown that GPR40 contributes to FA amplification of glucose-induced insulin secretion. Although some controversy still exists as to whether GPR40 agonists or antagonists should be designed as novel type 2 diabetes drugs, data obtained in our laboratory and others strongly suggest that GPR40 agonism might represent a valuable therapeutic approach. GPR119 is expressed in pancreatic beta-cells and enteroendocrine L-cells, and augments circulating insulin levels both through its direct insulinotropic action on beta-cells and through FA stimulation of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion. GPR120 is expressed in L-cells and was also shown to mediate FA-stimulated GLP-1 release. Finally, GPR41 and GPR43 are receptors for short-chain FAs and may indirectly regulate beta-cell function via adipokine secretion. Although the discovery of these various lipid receptors opens new and exciting avenues of research for drug development, a number of questions regarding their mechanisms of action and physiological roles remain to be answered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / physiopathology*
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / physiology*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Insulin / metabolism*
  • Insulin / pharmacology
  • Insulin Secretion
  • Islets of Langerhans / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Rats
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / agonists
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / physiology*

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified
  • Ffar1 protein, mouse
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1