Skip to search boxSkip to navigationSkip to main content

Structural and functional analysis of fatty acid-binding proteins

  • Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Abstract

The mammalian FA-binding proteins (FABPs) bind long-chain FA with high affinity. The large number of FABP types is suggestive of distinct functions in specific tissues. Multiple experimental approaches have shown that individual FABPs possess both unique and overlapping functions, some of which are based on specific elements in the protein structure. Although FA binding affinities for all FABPs tend to correlate directly with FA hydrophobicity, structure-function studies indicate that subtle three-dimensional changes that occur upon ligand binding may promote specific protein-protein or protein-membrane interactions that ultimately determine the function of each FABP. The conformational changes are focused in the FABP helical/portal domain, a region that was identified by in vitro studies to be vital for the FA transport properties of the FABPs. Thus, the FABPs modulate intracellular lipid homeostasis by regulating FA transport in the nuclear and extra-nuclear compartments of the cell; in so doing, they also impact systemic energy homeostasis.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages S126-S131

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Journal of Lipid Research (Volume 50)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 30/04/2009

Publication status

Published - 30/04/2009

ISSN

0022-2275

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/622679
  • Scopus: 66349121402

Access to documents

Publication metrics

PlumX, opens in new tab

Captures
231
Mentions
1
271