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Plasma membrane fatty acid‐binding protein (FABP pm ) is exclusively located in the maternal facing membranes of the human placenta
Author(s) -
Campbell Fiona M.,
Dutta-Roy Asim K.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/0014-5793(95)01216-2
Subject(s) - syncytiotrophoblast , membrane , fetal membrane , placenta , fatty acid binding protein , fatty acid , fetus , biochemistry , albumin , syncytiotrophoblasts , chemistry , biology , pregnancy , genetics , gene
We reported earlier the presence of a 40 kDa plasma membrane fatty acid‐binding protein (FABP pm ) in human placenta. This protein is thought to be involved in the sequestration of unesterified free fatty acids bound to albumin from the maternal plasma for delivery to the fetus. However, its location in human placental syncytiotrophoblasts is not known. These cells are bipolar; one side facing maternal circulation (microvillous membranes), and the other side facing fetal circulation (basal membranes). Therefore, it is important to resolve the location of this protein in trophoblast membranes in order to understand fatty acid transport and metabolism in human placenta. Isolated plasma membranes vesicles were prepared respectively from the maternal facing microvillous and fetal facing surface of the human full‐term placental syncytiotrophoblast. Using these membrane preparations, fatty acid binding activity, the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis radiobinding assay for FABP pm , and Western blot analysis of FABP pm were carried out to determine the location of this protein in these membranes. Based on the above studies we conclude that the FABP pm is located exclusively in the microvillous membranes. Since FABP pm may be responsible for FFA uptake, its location in the microvillous membranes favours the unidirectional flow of maternal FFA to the fetus.