Acyl-CoA-binding protein (Diazepam-binding inhibitor) (ACBP (DBI))

Acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP), also known as diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI), is a 10 kDa protein that serves as an intracellular transporter of medium- and long-chain acyl-CoA esters and an extracellular signaling factor (UniProt P05484). In mice, the extracellular form of ACBP acts as an orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) lipokine that is released into the circulation during fasting or in response to metabolic cues (Bravo-San Pedro et al., 2019, Cell Metabolism). It functions as an endogenous ligand for the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A) receptor and the translocator protein (TSPO), earning it the name endozepine for its ability to displace benzodiazepines (Joseph et al., 2020, Nature Communications). Elevated levels of extracellular ACBP are associated with the inhibition of systemic autophagy and the development of obesity and insulin resistance (Sica et al., 2019, Cell Reports). Therapeutic approaches targeting this molecule involve the use of neutralizing antibodies to block its extracellular activity, thereby promoting autophagy and reducing adiposity (Bravo-San Pedro et al., 2019). However, because of its role in the central nervous system, targeting ACBP may carry risks related to anxiety or seizure threshold modulation (Farzampour et al., 2015, Journal of Neuroscience).

Other names

Diazepam-binding inhibitorDBIEndozepineACBPAcyl-CoA-binding proteinGABA receptor modulatorEP

Neutralization of extracellular ACBP to promote systemic autophagy and reduce caloric intake.