Lipid Binding Partners, Hormones, and Lipokines

Lipid chaperones, called fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs), are critical molecules integrating lipid signals under metabolic stress conditions. FABPs bind to lipids and other endogenous molecules, determining their composition, partitioning, and function in cells. FABP4, also known as aP2, is an essential molecule that integrates adipocyte biology with systemic metabolic regulation. The Hotamışlıgil Lab is interested specifically in the mechanisms by which FABP4 acts as a hormone, as well as how it is secreted.