Newly recognized lipid carrier proteins in fetal life.
An attempt is made in this review to summarize new findings that propose the direct involvement of two fetal proteins (i.e, fetuin and alpha-fetoprotein) in fatty acid transport and delivery to cells. The presence of these proteins at a high plasma concentration in fetal life and the critical need for fatty acids during development strongly support this hypothesis. Tissue and cell specificities involved in the uptake of these fetal proteins and the mechanism of fatty acid delivery awaits further research.
Subbiah
M T
MT
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio 45267.
D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000502:physiology; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000502:physiology
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D008055:Lipids; D012709:Serum Albumin; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins