You are testing a novel compound related to the polyunsaturated fatty acid, DHA, for its effects on the activity of macrophages in culture. Addition of this compound to your cultures results in a significant reduction in the release to the media of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Given these observation, your test compound is most likely binding to, and activating, which of the following receptors?
A) GPR35
B) GPR40
C) GPR41
D) GPR55
E) GPR120

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

GPR120 is known to be activated by omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and can mediate anti-inflammatory effects, such as reducing TNF-α release from macrophages.  The omega-3 PUFAs, DHA and EPA, exert potent anti-inflammatory effects through GPR120. It has been found that GPR120 functions as an omega-3 fatty acid receptor/sensor in pro-inflammatory macrophages and mature adipocytes. By signaling through GPR120, both DHAand EPA mediate potent anti-inflammatory effects. These effects are exerted by inhibition of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) pro-inflammatory signaling pathways.

You Are Testing a Novel Compound Related to the Polyunsaturated