Skip to main content
Log in

New insights into the structure and function of fatty acid-binding proteins

  • Published:
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences CMLS Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract:

Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are members of a superfamily of lipid-binding proteins, and occur intracellularly in vertebrates and invertebrates. This review presents recent findings on the diversity of these FABPs and their proposed roles in fatty acid (FA) metabolism and other cellular processes. Special attention is paid to the structural features of the different mammalian FABP types and the physiological role of these proteins in FA transport, cell growth and differentiation, cellular signalling, gene transcription and cytoprotection. Additionally, data on FABP knockout mice and the implication of FABP in medicine are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Received 13 November 2001; received after revision 2 January 2002; accepted 25 January 2002

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Zimmerman, A., Veerkamp, J. New insights into the structure and function of fatty acid-binding proteins. CMLS, Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 59, 1096–1116 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-002-8490-y

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-002-8490-y

Navigation