The functional characteristics of GPR120 and its mechanism in preventing atherosclerosis

Free fatty acids are important substances for regulating energy metabolism in the body and mainly exert their functions by binding to G protein-coupled receptors（GPRs）on the cell membrane. GPR120 is the receptor for medium and long-chain free fatty acids in mammals. Studies have found that the activation of GPR120 on endothelial cells，vascular smooth muscle cells，and monocytes/macrophages can reduce monocyte adhesion，promote cholesterol efflux from foam cells，regulate the migration and differentiation of macrophages，and exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions，potentially resisting atherosclerosis. This article reviews the molecular structure，tissue distribution，ligand types，signal transduction pathways of GPR120，and its research progress in anti-atherosclerotic diseases，aiming to reveal the molecular mechanism of GPR120 in resisting atherosclerosis and its potential value as a therapeutic target.