Solute carrier family 27 member 1 (FATP1) (FATP1)

Solute carrier family 27 member 1 (FATP1) is a transmembrane protein that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of lipid homeostasis by facilitating the cellular uptake of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) (UniProt, 2024). Predominantly expressed in insulin-sensitive tissues such as adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the heart, FATP1 functions both as a transporter and an enzyme with acyl-CoA synthetase activity (NIH, 2022). This dual functionality allows it to transport LCFAs across the plasma membrane and immediately esterify them into fatty acyl-CoA, a process known as vectorial acylation that prevents fatty acid efflux and promotes metabolic utilization or storage (Frontiers in Physiology, 2022). FATP1 is uniquely sensitive to insulin, which triggers its translocation from intracellular compartments to the plasma membrane to enhance fatty acid clearance from the blood (Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2003). Because of its central role in lipid trafficking, FATP1 is a key player in the pathogenesis of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes, with FATP1-deficient models demonstrating significant protection against diet-induced metabolic dysfunction (NIH, 2022). Therapeutic strategies targeting FATP1, including small-molecule inhibitors like FATP1-IN-1, aim to modulate these pathways to treat metabolic and cardiovascular diseases (MedChemExpress, 2024). However, pharmacological inhibition of FATP1 presents challenges, such as the potential for lipid redistribution to the liver, which could lead to hepatic steatosis (NIH, 2022). Overall, FATP1 represents a critical node in metabolic signaling and a potential avenue for managing systemic lipid disorders.

Other names

Fatty acid transport protein 1SLC27A1ACSVL5Long-chain fatty acid transport protein 1FATP-1

Inhibition of long-chain fatty acid transport and acyl-CoA synthetase activity to reduce cellular lipid accumulation and improve insulin sensitivity.