Fatty acid-binding protein, also known as Epidermal-type fatty acid-binding protein, Fatty acid-binding protein 5, Psoriasis-associated fatty acid-binding protein homolog, E-FABP and FABP5, is a cytoplasm protein which Belongs to thecalycin superfamily and Fatty-acid binding protein (FABP) family. Fatty acid-binding proteins ( FABPs ) are postulated to serve as lipid shuttles that solubilize hydrophobic fatty acids and deliver them to appropriate intracellular sites. E-FABP / FABP5 is predominantly expressed in keratinocytes and is overexpressed in the actively proliferating tissue characteristic of psoriasis and wound healing. E-FABP / FABP5 exhibits an important role in binding free fatty acids, as well as regulating lipid metabolism and transport. E-FABP / FABP5 has high specificity for fatty acids. It has highest affinity for C18 chain length. Decreasing the chain length or introducing double bonds reduces the affinity of FABP5. E-FABP / FABP5 may be involved in keratinocyte differentiation.
