The Role of Intracellular Lipid-Binding Proteins in Digestive System Neoplasms

Intracellular lipid-binding proteins (iLBPs) are key mediators of intracellular transport for fatty acids and retinoids, functioning as lipid chaperones. Beyond lipid transport, iLBPs regulate signalling pathways, gene expression, oxidative balance, and inflammation. Furthermore, they are increasingly recognised for their involvement in gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, especially in cancer. iLBPs are classified into four different subfamilies, each displaying distinct tissue distributions and ligand preferences. Functional roles are context-dependent, for instance, CRABP2 may act as either tumour suppressor or promoter, and FABP4 exhibits metabolic state dependent effects. These proteins also influence drug resistance, immune evasion, and lipid-mediated signalling. Overall, iLBPs extend beyond lipid trafficking to intersect with oncogenic pathways, influence cell fate, and affect treatment response, highlighting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in GI oncology.