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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Saturated Fatty Acids Induce Ceramide-associated Macrophage Cell Death
Published on: October 31, 2017
Unravelling the significance of cellular fatty acid-binding proteins
1Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, The Netherlands. glatz@fys.unimaas.nl
Abstract:
Cellular long-chain fatty acid (FA) transport and metabolism are believed to be regulated by membrane-associated and soluble proteins that bind and transport FAs. Several different classes of membrane proteins have been proposed as FA acceptors or transmembrane FA transporters. New evidence from in-vitro and whole-animal studies supports the existence of protein-mediated transmembrane transport of FAs, which is likely to coexist with passive diffusional uptake. The trafficking of FAs by intracellular fatty acid-binding proteins may involve their interaction with specific membrane or protein targets. Evidence is also emerging for concerted actions between the membrane and cytoplasmic fatty acid-binding proteins that allow for efficient regulation of FA transport and metabolism.
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