Fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7)

Fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7) is a member of the fatty acid binding protein family, predominantly found in the brain. It facilitates the binding, solubilization, intracellular transport, and metabolism of long-chain fatty acids and cholesterol, and is highly expressed in radial glial and astrocytic cells during CNS development. FABP7 has a key function in establishing the neural architecture needed for neuronal migration and has emerging roles in lipid metabolism, energy regulation, cell proliferation, neuroinflammation, and synaptic transmission. Dysregulation of FABP7 expression or function has been implicated in melanoma progression, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and depression. FABP7 also exhibits strong binding to cannabinoids (THC, CBD) and endocannabinoids (AEA, 2-AG), indicating a modulatory role in the endocannabinoid system.

Other names

Brain-type fatty acid binding proteinBrain lipid binding proteinBLBPB-FABPFABPBMammary-derived growth inhibitor related (MRG)

Drugs and endogenous ligands (THC, CBD, fatty acids, cholesterol) bind FABP7, which modulates their transport, metabolic fate, and cellular signaling. Competitive or overlapping binding between fatty acids and cholesterol at FABP7.