Free download: Review explores fatty acid binding protein and influence on liver lipid metabolism

A recent paper published in Lipids by a group led by Friedhelm Schroeder at Texas A & M University demonstrates deletion of liver fatty acid binding protein (FABP1) does not impact brain endocannabinoid levels in female mice (Lipids 51:1007-1020).  This is critically important as this group has identified that brain endocannabinoids and arachidonic acid mass are both increased in male mice in which FABP1 is deleted (J. Neurochemistry 138:407-422).  Further, this group recently reported that FABP1 is a novel endocannabinoid binding protein (Biochemistry 2016 In Press).  These observations are critically important as it links liver FABP1 to the modulation of brain signaling molecules involved in satiety and in pain sensation.  Further, the potential link between an FABP1 polymorphism in humans to brain endocannabinoid function adds tremendous clinical relevance as does the potential for differences in metabolism that are gender specific.  For more about the FABP1 T94A mutation and its influence on liver lipid metabolism, see the recent review in Lipids (Lipids 51:655-676). The review article is available for a free download until November 11, 2016.