About this Research Topic
Since the FFAs come from different sources, e.g.: medium/long chain FFAs are derived mainly from dietary triglycerides, and short chain FFAs are produced by intestinal microbial fermentation of dietary fiber, FFARs and CD36 are involved in various physiological scenarios, that include different physiological functions and cellular types. For example, FFAR1 is reported in the central nervous system, pancreatic ß-cells and bone marrow-derived cells. Moreover, FFAR1 and FFAR4 are expressed in intestinal L-cells, and FFAR4 is also expressed in hypothalamus, adipose tissue and taste buds. On the other hand, FFAR2 is reported in white adipocytes, intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells, and FFAR3 is reported in peripheral nerves, myeloid dendritic cells and the thymus. Considering all of these cell types, FFARs have also attracted attention as possible therapeutic targets for different disorders and diseases. On the other hand, the multifunctional protein CD36 plays a role in the gustatory detection of lipids, and it is known to bind to various ligands (e.g., thrombospondin-1, oxidized low-density lipoproteins and dietary FAs). Considering this current knowledge, this Research Topic aims to cover research on FFARs/CD36 and their cell signaling by considering a wide range of disciplines: membrane physiology, membrane biophysics, cellular signaling, cellular biochemistry, and cellular and molecular biology.
This Research Topic welcomes review papers and original research on the following themes but is not limited to them:
• Regulation of epithelial and endothelial cellular communication by free fatty acids and their receptors.
• Role of cellular signaling associated with free fatty acids and their receptors in the myoblast differentiation.
• Contribution of free fatty acids and their receptors in the functioning of the central nervous system.
• Participation of free fatty acid receptors in the regulation of mammalian intestinal microbial environment.
Keywords: membrane physiology, G-protein coupled receptors, lipids research, cell signaling, ion channels
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.