Characterization of the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA) in cats

The hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2) belongs to a family of nutrient sensing receptors that binds beta-hydroxybutyrate, an alternative fuel source produced during a negative energy balance. The HCA2 receptor has not been identified or characterized in cats. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to 1) identify the feline HCA2 receptor protein sequence and compare against known human and rodent sequences, 2) determine tissue distribution and relative expression in lean, healthy cats, and 3) demonstrate in vitro functionality in feline adipose tissue.
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Source Type: research