Bile acids G-protein coupled bile acid receptor: Bile acids G-protein coupled bile acid receptor binds lithocholic acid Authored: Jupe, S, 2009-10-23 Edited: Jupe, S, 2010-03-01 Pubmed10334992 Pubmed12524422 Pubmed1591235 Reactome Database ID Release 43444654 Reactome, http://www.reactome.org ReactomeREACT_21388 Reviewed: D'Eustachio, P, 2009-12-11 The G-protein coupled bile acid receptor (GPBAR1) responds to several bile acids the most potent being lithocholic acid. Primary bile acids are acidic sterols synthesized from cholesterol in the liver where they are conjugated with glycine or taurine. Following synthesis bile acids are stored in the gall bladder and secreted into the duodenum where they facilitate solubilization and absorption of lipid-soluble vitamins and dietary fats. Bile acids can also regulate expression of various transport proteins and enzymes through the binding and activation of nuclear receptors, particularly FXR.