Propionate ion

Propionate (more precisely, the propionate ion or propanoate) is a three-carbon short-chain fatty acid produced by the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut microbiota and is also found endogenously in humans. In human metabolism, propionate serves as a key anaplerotic substrate, entering the TCA cycle via conversion to succinyl-CoA, and thus supports gluconeogenesis and energy homeostasis, especially in the liver and other high-demand organs. Propionate influences colonic motility, stimulates the secretion of certain gut hormones via activation of G-protein coupled fatty acid receptors (GPR41/FFAR3 and GPR43/FFAR2), and inhibits histone deacetylases, affecting immune cell function and inflammation. Propionate is not a direct therapeutic or pharmacological target, but both its deficiency and excess are linked to disease states, including propionic acidemia and, more broadly, metabolic, neurological, and immune disorders. It is also used as a food preservative in the form of various salts (e.g., sodium propionate).

Other names

PropanoatePropionic acid anionPropionate ionPropanoic acid, ion(1-)EtCO₂ anion72-03-7Propanatemetacetonate

Not applicable (as it is not a macromolecular target), but effects in the body are mediated indirectly via activation of SCFA receptors (GPR41/FFAR3 and GPR43/FFAR2), and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition