Hepatic lipid transport proteins

Hepatic lipid transport proteins encompass a diverse family of transporters that facilitate the movement of lipids into, out of, and within liver cells. Key members include the ATP-binding cassette transporters ABCA1, ABCG1, and ABCG5/G8, which mediate cholesterol efflux and sterol transport, and fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs) such as FATP2, FATP4, and FATP5 that facilitate fatty acid uptake through acyl-CoA synthetase activity. ABCA1 plays a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transport by transferring cholesterol and phospholipids from hepatocytes to HDL particles. ABCG5/G8 transporters form heterodimers that pump cholesterol and plant sterols into bile for excretion. FATPs, particularly FATP2 and FATP5, are involved in hepatic fatty acid uptake and when dysregulated can contribute to hepatic steatosis. These proteins are essential for maintaining hepatic lipid homeostasis and their altered expression is associated with metabolic disorders including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. The coordinated function of these transport systems enables the liver to serve its central role in whole-body lipid metabolism, including the synthesis and secretion of lipoproteins, bile acid production, and the processing of dietary and peripheral lipids.

Other names

Liver lipid transport proteinshepatic lipid transportersliver fatty acid transport proteins

Facilitated diffusion of lipids, ATP-dependent lipid efflux, Vectorial acylation for fatty acid uptake, Cholesterol and phospholipid transfer between cellular compartments