Fatty acid binding protein 4 (AFABP; adipocyte FABP; FABP4) is a 15 kDa member of the intracellular FABP family, which is known for the ability to bind fatty acids and related compounds (bile acids or retinoids). AFABP is expressed in a differentiation-dependent fashion in adipocytes and is a critical gene in the regulation of the biological function of these cells. In mice, targeted mutations in FABP4 (gene also called: aP2) provides significant protection from hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in the context of both dietary and genetic obesity. AFABP is also expressed in macrophages where it modulates inflammatory responses and cholesterol ester accumulation. Total or macrophage-specific FABP deficiency confers dramatic protection against atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice. These results indicate a central role for AFABP in development of metabolic diseases through its distinct actions in adipocytes and macrophages. This Enzyme Immunometric Assay (EIA) is based on a double-antibody sandwich technique. The wells of the plate supplied with the kit are coated with a goat polyclonal antibody specific of human AFABP. This antibody will bind any human AFABP introduced in the wells (sample or standard). [Bertin Catalog No. A05181]
