RBP4
Description
The RBP4 (retinol binding protein 4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 10.
Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a transporter protein for retinol (vitamin A alcohol). RBP4 has a molecular weight of approximately 21 kDa and is encoded by the RBP4 gene in humans. It is mainly synthesized in the liver and circulates in the bloodstream bound to retinol in a complex with transthyretin. RBP4 is a drug target for ophthalmology research due to its role in vision and may also be involved in metabolic diseases. RBP4 is a member of the lipocalin family and is the specific carrier for retinol in the blood. It delivers retinol from the liver stores to the peripheral tissues. In plasma, the RBP-retinol complex interacts with transthyretin, preventing its loss by filtration through the kidney glomeruli. A deficiency of vitamin A blocks secretion of the binding protein posttranslationally and results in defective delivery and supply to the epidermal cells. RBP4 is a single polypeptide chain with a hydrophobic pocket where retinol binds.
RBP4 mediates retinol transport in blood plasma. It delivers retinol from the liver stores to the peripheral tissues. RBP4 transfers the bound all-trans retinol to STRA6, facilitating retinol transport across the cell membrane.
RBP4 is also known as MCOPCB10, RDCCAS.
Associated Diseases
- Microphthalmia, isolated, with coloboma 10
- Retinal dystrophy, iris coloboma, and comedogenic acne syndrome
