Recent Advance in Regulatory Effect of GRP120 on Bone Metabolism

The link between fatty acids and bone metabolism is complex and can be direct and indirect. This link has been reported in different types of bone cells and various stages of bone metabolism. G-protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR120), also called free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4), is a member of the recently discovered G protein-coupled receptor family that can interact with both long-chain saturated fatty acids (C14-C18) and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids (C16-C22). Research shows that GPR120 regulates processes in different types of bone cells, directly or indirectly affecting bone metabolism. Our research reviewed the literature on the effects of GPR120 on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and chondrocytes, focusing on the research findings regarding the mechanism by which GPR120 alters specific bone metabolic diseases-osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. The data reviewed here provide a basis for clinical and basic research into the role of GPR120 on bone metabolic diseases.