Fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2)

Fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2), also known as Intestinal-type fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), is a small cytosolic protein (∼15 kDa, 127 amino acids) mainly expressed in the small intestine epithelial cells. It binds and transports long-chain fatty acids, facilitating their absorption and metabolism within enterocytes. The protein’s beta-barrel structure provides a hydrophobic cavity for fatty acid binding. FABP2 plays a central role in human dietary lipid processing, energy metabolism, and modulates cellular growth, proliferation, and possibly free radical scavenging. Genetic polymorphisms (notably Ala54Thr) in FABP2 are associated with altered fat metabolism, increased insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome risk. In clinical contexts, elevated FABP2 in blood serves as a biomarker for intestinal mucosal injury, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of various gastrointestinal diseases. Although no drugs specifically target FABP2 clinically as of 2024, its central role in lipid transport makes it a compelling target for metabolic and inflammatory disease research and therapy.

Other names

Intestinal-type fatty acid-binding proteinI-FABPFABPIGut FABP (gFABP)Fatty acid binding protein, intestinal

For drugs targeting FABP family (by analogy, would apply to FABP2 if/when developed): Competitive inhibition of fatty acid binding in the protein’s internal cavity. Modulation of lipid signaling and trafficking.