Using Mfge8, Ces1d, Hnf4γ, Atgl, and Cd36 knockout mice, the authors delineate a pathway in which MFGE8 ligation of αvβ5 integrin and CD36-mediated fatty acid uptake stabilize the intestinal transcription factor HNF4γ, which in turn drives transcription of Ces1d and related Ces1-family hydrolases.