Retinol binding protein

Retinol binding protein (RBP) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the RBP1 gene. RBP is the carrier protein responsible for the transport of retinol (vitamin A alcohol) from the liver storage sites to the peripheral tissues. In plasma, RBP is bound to transthyretin, which prevents its loss by filtration through the kidney glomeruli.

Function

Retinol binding protein is the primary carrier of retinol in the blood. It delivers retinol from the liver stores to the peripheral tissues. In plasma, the RBP-retinol complex interacts with transthyretin, which prevents the loss of the complex into the urine and ensures its delivery to the tissues that need it.

Structure

The RBP protein belongs to the lipocalin family and is a single polypeptide chain with one direct repeat. The repeat sequence is highly conserved in all species as well as in other proteins of the lipocalin family.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the RBP1 gene are associated with microphthalmia, a severe eye disorder, and other ocular abnormalities. RBP may also play a role in the development of obesity and insulin resistance.

See also

• Retinol
• Transthyretin
• Microphthalmia
• Obesity
• Insulin resistance

External links

• NCBI Gene
• UniProt

Retinol binding protein Resources
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