Fatty Acid-Sensing G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Skeletal Metabolism

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), commonly known as seven-transmembrane domain receptors, represent one of the largest and most functionally diverse families of membrane receptors. These receptors mediate cellular responses to external signals, thereby influencing various physiological processes. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the importance of GPCRs in skeletal health, particularly in regulating bone metabolism and the pathogenesis of bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Among GPCRs, a specific subset that responds to fatty acids, including GPR40, GPR120, GPR41, GPR43, GPR84, and GPR119, has received significant attention for its role in skeletal homeostasis. Acting as lipid sensors, these receptors detect changes in fatty acid availability and transduce signals that modulate the differentiation, function, and survival of key bone cell populations, including osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of fatty acid-sensing GPCRs in skeletal metabolism, highlighting their potential as novel therapeutic targets for metabolic bone diseases.