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Short-chain fatty acid pathway
- Molecular classification
- Other
01
Overview
The "short-chain fatty acid pathway" refers to the metabolic processes by which gut microbiota ferment dietary fibers to produce short-chain fatty acids—primarily acetate, propionate, and butyrate—which serve as key energy sources for colonic epithelial cells. These SCFAs regulate a wide range of biological processes in the host, including metabolism, immune responses, and maintenance of gut barrier integrity. Their signaling is mediated via receptors such as G protein-coupled receptors (e.g., GPR41/FFAR3 and GPR43/FFAR2) and via inhibition of histone deacetylases. Alterations in SCFA production or signaling are implicated in inflammatory disease, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer[1][2][3][6][8][9].
- Other names
- SCFA pathwayShort-chain fatty acid metabolic pathwayMicrobial fermentation of dietary fiber
02
Mechanism of action
Modulation of GPCR activity (e.g., FFAR2, FFAR3); Histone deacetylase inhibition; Immunomodulation via cytokine regulation; Regulation of intestinal barrier and epithelial differentiation
03
Biological functions
Metabolic regulationImmune responseCellular energy provisionIntestinal barrier maintenanceInflammation modulationSignal transductionApoptosis
04
Disease associations
InflammationMetabolic syndromeType 2 diabetesObesityColorectal cancerCardiovascular diseaseNeurodegenerative diseaseInfection
05
Safety considerations
Excess SCFA production may contribute to complications such as enteritis (especially in animals)Imbalances in SCFA levels can be associated with metabolic disturbances
06
Biomarkers
Fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrationsExpression levels of GPR41/GPR43Circulating acetate, propionate, butyrate
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