Identification of a membrane receptor for retinol-binding protein functioning in the cellular uptake of retinol.
Retinol-binding protein (RBP) is the transport protein that carries retinol in the circulation from the liver to its target tissues. The existence of a cell-surface receptor on the target cells, which mediates the uptake of retinol from RBP, has been known since 1975. Recently, it was identified as an integral transmembrane protein named STRA6 that is inducible by retinoic acid in certain cancer cells. The receptor was found to be highly specific for RBP, with high affinity, and to be localized in all tissues known to require retinol for their function, particularly the pigment epithelium of the eye.
Wolf
George
G
Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA. nutritionreviews@ilsi.org
D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D018168:Receptors, Retinoic Acid / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000378:metabolism*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000378:metabolism
D018168:Receptors, Retinoic Acid; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins; D014815:Vitamins; D014801:Vitamin A