Solute carrier family 27 member 4 (SLC27A4)

Solute carrier family 27 member 4 (SLC27A4), commonly known as fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4), is a transmembrane protein with dual roles as a transporter and acyl-CoA synthetase for long and very long chain fatty acids. It is highly expressed in enterocytes of the small intestine, skin (particularly keratinocytes), and other metabolically active tissues. SLC27A4 facilitates the cellular uptake and activation of fatty acids, catalyzing their conversion to fatty acyl-CoA esters, which drives their utilization in β-oxidation, membrane lipid synthesis, and energy metabolism. Its function is critical for epidermal barrier formation and is involved in fat absorption during development. Clinically, mutations in SLC27A4 are associated with ichthyosis prematurity syndrome, and altered expression has roles in obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease. While it is a candidate therapeutic and biomarker target for metabolic and skin disorders, no direct drugs or inhibitors are in current clinical use targeting FATP4[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].

Other names

Long-chain fatty acid transport protein 4FATP4ACSVL4fatty acid transport protein 4arachidonate--CoA ligaselong-chain-fatty-acid--CoA ligasevery long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4acyl-CoA synthetase very long chain family member 4S27A4ACSVL5

Inhibition or modulation of fatty acid uptake and activation (e.g., knockdown, genetic disruption affects LCFA uptake and metabolism). Indirect modulation of cholesterol and lipid absorption through enterocyte function. Impact on β-oxidation and downstream lipid metabolic pathways.