Enteroendocrine cell (EEC)

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are specialized sensory cells distributed throughout the intestinal epithelium that function as the primary nutrient sensors of the gastrointestinal tract (Gribble & Reimann, 2016, Annu Rev Physiol). They respond to luminal stimuli, such as glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids, by secreting a variety of peptide hormones including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and cholecystokinin (CCK) (Adriaenssens et al., 2018, Front Endocrinol). These hormones are vital for regulating postprandial glucose levels, gastric emptying, and satiety. In metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and obesity, the secretory response of these cells is often blunted, making them a significant area of therapeutic interest (Beutler & O'Rahilly, 2022, The Enteroendocrine System). While EECs themselves are a cell population rather than a single molecular target, pharmacological agents often target specific receptors on their surface, such as GPR119, TGR5, or FFA1, to stimulate endogenous hormone release (Lauffer et al., 2009, J Biol Chem). Understanding the diversity and signaling pathways of EEC subtypes, such as L-cells and K-cells, is crucial for developing next-generation metabolic therapies.

Other names

Intestinal nutrient-sensing cellsGut endocrine cellsL-cellsK-cellsI-cellsEnterochromaffin cellsGastrointestinal endocrine cells

Activation of nutrient-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) on the cell surface to stimulate the endogenous release of metabolic hormones such as GLP-1 and PYY.