Fabp2 - fatty acid binding protein 2, intestinal

The protein encoded by this gene is part of the fatty acid binding protein family (FABP). FABPs are a family of small, highly conserved, cytoplasmic proteins that bind long-chain fatty acids and other hydrophobic ligands and participate in fatty acid uptake, transport, and metabolism. This protein functions within enterocytes, possibly to sense lipids as part of energy homeostasis. In humans polymorphisms are associated with increased fat oxidation and insulin resistance. In mice deficiency of this gene alters body weight in a gender-specific manner and causes hyperinsulinemia. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2013]