Fatty acid transport proteins: a current view of a growing family

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2001 Aug;12(6):266-73. doi: 10.1016/s1043-2760(01)00427-1.

Abstract

Long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) are a major caloric component of our diet and are key metabolites for energy generation and storage. Physiological uptake of LCFAs across cell membranes is a saturable and competable process occurring at low concentrations, indicative of protein-mediated transport. Fatty acid transport proteins are a family of transmembrane proteins that enhance LCFA uptake and are produced in all fatty acid-utilizing tissues. Here, we review our current understanding of the function, expression patterns and regulation and subcellular localization of this interesting family of proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Carrier Proteins* / analysis
  • Carrier Proteins* / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins* / physiology
  • Fatty Acid Transport Proteins
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins* / analysis
  • Membrane Proteins* / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins* / physiology
  • Membrane Transport Proteins*
  • Subcellular Fractions / chemistry

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Fatty Acid Transport Proteins
  • Fatty Acids
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins