The first phase of the project is to identify fatty acids and analogues with special ability to activate FFARs. We focus especially on foods that have a reputation of counteracting metabolic diseases. Compounds are obtained by isolation, synthesis or commercial sources, and are screened on FFARs in transfected cell lines.

The second phase involves testing the effect of selected nutrients and nutrient metabolites in mice. To be able to perform optimal experiments, we also need high-quality selective activators and inhibitors of the relevant FFARs. We furthermore need mice that lack the relevant FFARs for control studies. Important parts of the project are directed towards developing or acquiring these tools.

The third phase of the project involves testing selected foods or nutrients in people with or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We will only be allowed to give food constituents that have been prepared in a kitchen with standard cooking equipment.