Unravelling the significance of cellular fatty acid-binding proteins

Cellular long-chain fatty acid (FA) transport and metabolism are believed t o be regulated by membrane-associated and soluble proteins that bind and tr ansport FAs. Several different classes of membrane proteins have been propo sed as FA accepters or transmembrane FA transporters. New evidence from in- vitro and whole-animal studies supports the existence of protein-mediated t ransmembrane transport of FAs, which is likely to coexist with passive diff usional uptake. The trafficking of FAs by intracellular fatty acid-binding proteins may involve their interaction with specific membrane or protein ta rgets. Evidence is also emerging for concerted actions between the membrane and cytoplasmic fatty acid-binding proteins that allow for efficient regul ation of FA transport and metabolism. Curr Opin Lipidol 12:267-274. (C) 200 1 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.