Drug pipeline
Full profile accessExplore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.
- Drug candidates
- Developers
- Development stage
Target intelligence / Profile preview
Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (adipocyte) (FABP4)
- Target
- FABP4
- Molecular classification
- Carrier protein, Cytoplasmic fatty acid-binding protein (FABP family), Lipid-binding protein
01
Overview
Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (adipocyte), also known as aP2 and FABP4, is a cytoplasmic carrier protein primarily expressed in adipocytes and macrophages. It binds and traffics fatty acids within cells, modulates lipid metabolism, and regulates inflammation. Circulating FABP4 is released by a non-classical secretory pathway and acts as an adipokine. FABP4 is implicated in metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis, and serves both as a potential therapeutic target and a biomarker for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
- Other names
- Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4)Adipocyte protein 2 (aP2)Adipocyte FABP (A-FABP)Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein
02
Mechanism of action
Inhibition of FABP4 expression or function to improve insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism; Modulation of lipid trafficking and inflammatory signaling to prevent or treat atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome.
03
Biological functions
Lipid transport (shuttling free fatty acids within cells)Regulation of intracellular lipid metabolismModulation of insulin sensitivityRegulation of inflammation and inflammatory cytokine expressionLipolysis and fatty acid oxidation via interaction with hormone-sensitive lipase and adipose triglyceride lipasePotential function as an adipokine (secreted protein acting in endocrine/paracrine fashion)
04
Disease associations
Insulin resistanceObesityType 2 diabetes mellitusAtherosclerosisCardiovascular disease (including cardiac dysfunction and cardiovascular events)HypertensionMetabolic syndromeInflammation/metaflammation
05
Safety considerations
Targeting FABP4 may alter metabolic and inflammatory pathways; full safety profile of inhibitors is not establishedPotential for off-target effects due to shared family members (FABP5 and others)
06
Interacting drugs
Specific drugs targeting FABP4 are under investigation, but none are FDA-approved for clinical use yet
2 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
Circulating FABP4 levels serve as a biomarker for obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular riskGenetic SNPs affecting FABP4 expression can correlate with coronary heart disease risk
Beyond the preview
Go deeper on Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (adipocyte) (FABP4).
Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.
Clinical trials
Full profile accessFollow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.
- Trial design
- Status
- Readouts
Competitive landscape
Full profile accessCompare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.
- Programs
- Modalities
- Indications
Literature & evidence
Full profile accessInvestigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.
- Publications
- Sources
- Analysis
Patents
Full profile accessExplore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.
- Patents
- Assignees
- Technologies
Research & analysis
Full profile accessConnect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.
- Biology
- Development news
- Analysis
Bring the full picture into focus.
See how Gosset can support your research on Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (adipocyte) (FABP4).