Endocrine Abstracts

Lactate is a metabolite that activates the G-protein coupled receptor, Hydroxycarboxylic acid Receptor 1 (HCAR1) to regulate physiological processes such as lipolysis, cancer cell survival, and neuroprotection. Lactate exists in two forms, L+ and D-, with the L isoform predominant in the human body. Interestingly, both isoforms are only found together in the gastrointestinal tract. L-lactate is synthesised as a by-product of anaerobic respiration, whereas D-lactate, is a produ...

The Hydroxycarboxylic Acid Receptor 1 (HCAR1) is a Gαi/o-coupled GPCR known to be activated by both L- and D-lactate; metabolites produced by gut microbiota and anaerobic metabolism. Elevated D-lactate levels are indicative of dysbiosis and inflammatory bowel disease. As lactate can be transported into cells, it has the potential to activate HCAR1 at the plasma membrane and within intracellular locations resulting in diversified responses. Whether HCAR1 signalling is spat...