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The intestinal fatty acid binding protein is not essential for dietary fat absorption in mice
Author(s) -
Vassileva Galya,
Huwyler Leslie,
Poirier Kevin,
Agellon Luis B.,
Toth Matthew J.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fj.99-0959com
Subject(s) - fatty acid binding protein , assimilation (phonology) , biochemistry , fatty acid , lipid metabolism , function (biology) , energy homeostasis , biology , metabolism , medicine , chemistry , endocrinology , gene , microbiology and biotechnology , receptor , philosophy , linguistics
The intestinal fatty acid binding pro‐tein (I‐FABP) belongs to a family of 15 kDa clam‐shell‐like proteins that are found in many differenttissues. So far, nine types have been identified. Theirprimary structures are highly conserved betweenspecies but somewhat less so among the differenttypes. The function of these proteins, many of whichare highly expressed, is not well understood. Theirability to bind lipid ligands suggests a role in lipidmetabolism, but direct evidence for this idea is stilllacking. We tested the hypothesis that I‐FABP servesan essential role in the assimilation of dietary fattyacids by disrupting its gene ( Fabpi ) in the mouse. Wediscovered that Fabpi –/– mice are viable, but theydisplay alterations in body weight and are hyperinsulinemic. Male Fabpi –/– mice had elevated plasmatriacylglycerols and weighed more regardless of thedietary fat content. In contrast, female Fabpi –/– mice gained less weight in response to a high‐fat diet. The results clearly demonstrate that I‐FABP is not essential for dietary fat absorption. We propose that I‐FABP functions as a lipid‐sensing component of energy homeostasis that alters body weight gain in agender‐specific fashion.—Vassileva, G., Huwyler, L., Poirier, K., Agellon, L. B., Toth, M. J. The intestinal fatty acid binding protein is not essential for dietary fat absorption in mice. FASEB J. 14, 2040–2046 (2000)