Ffar1-flox Mouse

Ffar1, also known as GPR40, is a G-protein-coupled receptor for medium-to long-chain free fatty acids. It functions to enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and release of incretin hormones in response to circulating free fatty acids. This makes it a potential target for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as its activation can regulate glucose levels through glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and incretin production [3,4,5]. It is also involved in many physio-pathological processes [1].

FFAR1-deficient mice were found to exhibit stronger inflammatory and peripheral neuropathic pain-like behavior as well as depressive-like behavior. The findings suggest that FFAR1 indirectly regulates dopamine release by promoting serotonin release, indicating its possible involvement in emotional behaviors [2].

In conclusion, Ffar1 is crucial for glucose-related metabolic regulation and may play a role in emotional behaviors and pain-related responses as revealed by gene-knockout mouse models. Targeting Ffar1 with positive modulators represents an attractive pharmacological approach for T2DM treatment due to its lack of hypoglycaemic side-effects, and may also have potential in alleviating organ inflammation, fibrosis, and treating CNS disorders [1].