Free fatty acid receptor 2 Free fatty acid receptor 2 Free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) is a G-protein coupled receptor encoded by the FFAR2 gene. FFAR2 mRNA is expressed in adipose tissue, pancreas, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. FFAR2 transcription is regulated by the XBP1 transcription factor which binds to the core promoter. Mouse studies utilizing Ffar2 gene deletions have implicated the receptor in the regulation of energy metabolism and immune responses. Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA's) generated in the processing of fiber by intestinal microbiota act as ligands for the receptor and can affect neutrophil chemotaxis. However, discrepancies
Furan fatty acids specifically trap hydroxyl radicals. It is therefore believed that this is in different biological systems their main function. They also inhibit the singlet oxygen-induced hemolysis of red blood cells (red blood cell disintegration). Plants and algae produce furan fatty acids during the biosynthesis from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These are seemingly used in these organisms as protection against free radicals generated by sunlight. Occasionally it is speculated that the health-promoting properties originally attributed to omega-3 fatty acids may not be based on themself, but on the furan fatty acids also present in the fish. A clinical trial of isolated omega-3