The role of GPRC6A agonists in satiety

最近的研究强调了营养感应在调节食物摄入量和体重方面的重要性。高蛋白的膳食和饮食有很好的饱腹感。然而，高蛋白抑制食物摄取的机制在很大程度上还不清楚。蛋白质被消化，在肠道中形成氨基酸。我们已经发现，当注射到大鼠和小鼠的血液中时，与氨基酸感应受体GPRC6A结合的特定氨基酸减少了食物的摄入量。这些氨基酸似乎作用于大脑，作为回应，大脑可能会减少胃部释放一种名为Ghrelin的食欲激素。我们现在的目标是确定这些氨基酸对食物摄入量影响的具体机制，并确定它们是否构成每天调节食物摄入量和体重的系统的一部分。确定GPRC6A在食物摄入量中的作用可能有助于设计出可控制肥胖的食物或药物。

Recent research has highlighted the importance of nutrient sensing in the regulation of food intake and body weight. Meals and diets high in protein have a well characterised satiating effect. However, the mechanisms by which high levels of protein inhibit food intake are largely unknown. Proteins are digested to form amino acids in the gut. We have found that specific amino acids which bind to an amino acids-sensing receptor called GPRC6A reduce food intake when injected into the blood stream of rats and mice. These amino acids appear to act on the brain, which may in response reduce the release of an appetite-increasing hormone called ghrelin from the stomach. We now aim to determine the specific mechanisms behind the effects of these amino acids on food intake and determine whether they form part of the system that regulates food intake and body weight on a day to day basis. Determining the role of GPRC6A in food intake may facilitate the design of foods or drugs designed to comabt obesity.