Short-chain fatty acid metabolism

Short-chain fatty acid metabolism" refers to the collective biochemical processes by which short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—primarily acetate, propionate, and butyrate—are produced and utilized in the body. These SCFAs are generated mainly through microbial fermentation of dietary fibers in the colon[1][3][5]. They serve as key energy sources for colonocytes, regulate glucose and lipid homeostasis, modulate appetite via gut hormones such as GLP1 and PYY, influence immune responses by promoting T regulatory cell differentiation and cytokine production, enhance intestinal barrier function by supporting tight junction assembly, and play a role in maintaining overall intestinal health[1][2][3][4][5]. SCFA signaling is mediated through G protein-coupled receptors such as GPR41/43 on various cell types[4]. Altered SCFA levels or dysregulated metabolism have been implicated in diseases including metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, neurodegenerative conditions via the gut-brain axis connection, and certain cancers[1][2][3]. Note: "Short-chain fatty acid metabolism" is not a single molecule or receptor but rather a metabolic process involving multiple enzymes/pathways. It is not considered a canonical therapeutic target like an enzyme or receptor; instead it describes a physiological system/process. If you are seeking information about specific molecular targets within this pathway—such as G protein-coupled receptors for SCFAs (GPR41/FFAR3 or GPR43/FFAR2), transporters like MCTs (monocarboxylate transporters), or enzymes involved in their synthesis/utilization—those should be specified individually for structured data extraction[4].

Other names

SCFA metabolismshort-chain fatty acids metabolismSCFAs metabolic pathway