CHEMOSENSORS FOR NUTRIENTS IN THE DIGESTIVE TRACT

The article presents literature data on the molecular mechanisms of detection of amino acids, oligopeptides, sweet molecules, fatty acids and their derivatives in the digestive tract. The receptor set of the enteroendocrine cells and the main ways of signal transduction are characterized. Translocases of nutrients are demonstrated to play an important role in the detection. On the basis of chemosensor information enteroendocrine cells regulate biosynthesis and release of intestinal peptides ? cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, gastrin, YY peptide. These peptides regulate secretory and mechanical activity of the digestive tract, glucose homeostasis, energy status of an organism and food behavior. Specific receptors and translocases of nutrients are of interest from the point of view of creating pharmacological preparations intended for the treatment of diseases of the digestive tract as well as metabolic disorders including obesity and diabetes of the second type.