Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABP)

Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) form a conserved family of small (∼14-15 kDa) intracellular proteins, each with tissue-specific expression that reflects their specialized roles in lipid handling. FABPs bind long-chain fatty acids and related hydrophobic molecules with high affinity, facilitating their solubilization and transport to various compartments (nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum). They enable efficient intracellular trafficking of fatty acids for metabolism, storage, and signaling. Individual FABP subtypes are highly conserved across species and are central to systemic lipid metabolism, gene expression regulation, immune response, and cellular stress adaptation. FABPs have gained substantial interest as both diagnostic biomarkers (indicative of tissue injury or disease) and therapeutic targets for disorders ranging from diabetes and cardiovascular disease to some cancers and inflammatory conditions.

Other names

Liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP, FABP1)Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP, FABP4)Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP, FABP2)Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP, FABP3)Epidermal fatty acid-binding protein (E-FABP, FABP5)lipid chaperonefatty acid transporter

Inhibition of fatty acid binding/transport Modulation of lipid signaling pathways Regulation of gene expression through altered lipid trafficking Some drugs act as competitive inhibitors of the FABP binding site