Butanoate metabolism

Butanoate metabolism refers to the network of biochemical reactions involved in the synthesis and breakdown of butyrate, a four-carbon short-chain fatty acid (KEGG: map00650) [1]. In humans, this pathway is primarily executed by the anaerobic gut microbiota during the fermentation of dietary fibers [4]. Butyrate is a critical metabolite that serves as the main energy source for colonocytes and maintains the integrity of the intestinal barrier [4]. Beyond its role as a fuel, butyrate acts as a potent signaling molecule by inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs), thereby regulating gene expression related to cell proliferation and apoptosis [2]. It also serves as a ligand for G protein-coupled receptors, specifically GPR41 (FFAR3) and GPR43 (FFAR2), which mediate immune and metabolic responses [3]. Dysregulation of butanoate metabolism is implicated in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and metabolic disorders like obesity [2, 4]. While the pathway itself is not a single drug target, its components—including the enzymes and receptors involved—are focal points for therapeutic intervention using prebiotics, probiotics, and small-molecule agonists [3, 4].

Other names

Butyrate metabolismButanoic acid metabolism

Modulation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPR41, GPR43, GPR109A) by metabolic intermediates such as butyrate.