Long-chain fatty acid transport protein (FATP)

Long-chain fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs), also known as the SLC27 family, are a group of six transmembrane proteins (FATP1-6) that facilitate the uptake of long-chain and very long-chain fatty acids into cells. Unlike simple transporters, FATPs possess intrinsic very long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (VLCAS) activity, which couples fatty acid transport with their activation into CoA thioesters, a process known as vectorial acylation. This dual function makes them critical regulators of lipid metabolism in various tissues, including the liver, intestine, adipose tissue, and heart. Dysregulation of FATP expression or activity is linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as well as certain cancers where they support the metabolic needs of tumor cells or suppressive immune cells. Consequently, FATPs are being investigated as therapeutic targets, with small molecule inhibitors like lipofermata showing potential in preclinical models for treating metabolic and oncological conditions.

Other names

Fatty acid transport proteinSLC27 familySolute carrier family 27Very long-chain acyl-CoA synthetaseVLCAS

Inhibition of fatty acid uptake and very long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase activity to reduce intracellular lipid accumulation and metabolic signaling.