The FABP multigene family comprises nearly 20 identified members. These proteins are grouped into three main types: hepatic, intestinal, and cardiac FABPs. They are small proteins, typically 14-15 kDa in size, and play a crucial role in the uptake, intracellular processing, and transportation of long-chain fatty acids. FABPs are also known to influence cell growth and proliferation. Notably, the intestinal FABP (FABP2) gene exhibits a polymorphism at codon 54, resulting in two alleles: one encoding for alanine and the other for threonine. The threonine-54 variant has been linked to enhanced fat oxidation and insulin resistance. Elevated serum levels of FABP2 in individuals with ulcerative colitis are indicative of ileitis. FABP2 contributes to the synthesis of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. This protein demonstrates a high affinity for binding saturated long-chain fatty acids, while its affinity for unsaturated long-chain fatty acids is lower. Acting as a lipid sensor, FABP2 plays a vital role in maintaining energy balance within the body.
Fatty Acid Binding Protein-2 (FABP2), also known as Intestinal-type Fatty Acid Binding Protein (I-FABP), is a member of the fatty acid-binding protein family. These proteins are involved in the intracellular transport of long-chain fatty acids and their acyl-CoA esters. FABP2 is particularly significant due to its role in the small intestine, where it facilitates the absorption and intracellular transport of dietary long-chain fatty acids .
FABP2 is a cytosolic protein that binds saturated long-chain fatty acids with high affinity, but has a lower affinity for unsaturated long-chain fatty acids . The protein is composed of 132 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 15 kDa . It is predominantly expressed in the epithelial cells of the small intestine, particularly in the jejunum and ileum .
The primary function of FABP2 is to mediate the uptake and intracellular transport of fatty acids. It plays a crucial role in the synthesis of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and may also help maintain energy homeostasis by functioning as a lipid sensor . Additionally, FABP2 is involved in the modulation of cell growth and proliferation .
The FABP2 gene is located on chromosome 4 in humans . It contains four exons and is subject to genetic polymorphisms. One notable polymorphism occurs at codon 54, where an alanine-encoding allele and a threonine-encoding allele have been identified . The Thr-54 variant is associated with increased fat oxidation and insulin resistance, making it a point of interest in studies related to obesity and Type II diabetes .
Recombinant human FABP2 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the human FABP2 gene into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or yeast. This allows for the large-scale production of the protein, which can be used in various research and clinical applications. Recombinant FABP2 is utilized in studies investigating its role in lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, and its potential implications in metabolic disorders .