The fatty-acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are a family of carrier proteins for fatty acids and other lipophilic substances such as eicosanoids and retinoids. These proteins are thought to facilitate the transfer of fatty acids between extra- and intracellular membranes. The fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP-4) and fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) are closely related and both are expressed in adipocytes. Mice with targeted disruption of FABP-4 accompany FABP-5 almost completely protect against diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease. While mice over expressing FABP5 in adipose have reduced insulin sensitivity.
Relevant recent publications:
1. The human fatty acid-binding protein family: evolutionary divergences and functions. Smathers RL, Petersen DR. Hum Genomics. 2011 Mar;5(3):170-91.
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