Lipocalin

PDB 1qwd EBI

Lipocalins are a diverse family of proteins that transport small hydrophobic molecules such as lipids, steroids, bilins, and retinoids. They are characterized by their ability to bind to small hydrophobic molecules and their role in various physiological processes.

Structure

Lipocalins typically have a conserved beta-barrel structure that forms a cup-shaped binding pocket. This pocket is responsible for the binding of hydrophobic molecules. The structure of lipocalins allows them to interact with a wide range of ligands, making them versatile in their function.

Function

Lipocalins are involved in various biological processes, including:

• Transport of small hydrophobic molecules
• Cell signaling
• Immune response
• Enzyme inhibition

Some well-known lipocalins include:

• Retinol-binding protein (RBP)
• Apolipoprotein D (ApoD)
• Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs)

Clinical Significance

Lipocalins have been implicated in several diseases and medical conditions. For example, elevated levels of certain lipocalins can be indicative of kidney injury or inflammatory diseases. They are also being studied for their potential use in drug delivery systems due to their ability to bind and transport various molecules.

Related Pages

• Protein
• Beta-barrel
• Retinol-binding protein
• Apolipoprotein D
• Odorant-binding proteins