Mouse RBP4/Retinol-Binding Protein 4 Alexa Fluor® 405-conjugated Antibody

Applications

Please Note: Optimal dilutions should be determined by each laboratory for each application. General Protocols are available in the Technical Information section on our website.

Preparation and Storage

Background: RBP4/Retinol-Binding Protein 4

Retinol (also known as vitamin A) is unstable and insoluble in the aqueous solution. However, retinol becomes quite stable and soluble in plasma due to its tight interaction with retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), also known as plasma retinol-binding protein (1 - 3). A prototypic member of the lipocalin superfamily, RBP4 has a beta ‑barrel structure with a well-defined cavity. It is secreted from the liver, a process requiring the availability of retinol. RBP4 delivers retinol from the liver to the peripheral tissues. In plasma, the RBP4-retinol complex interacts with transthyretin (TTR), also known as thyroxine-binding protein and prealbumin. The retinol-RBP4-TTR complex prevents the loss of RBP4 by filtration through the kidney and increases the stability of the retinol-RBP4 complex. Defects in RBP4 cause retinol-binding protein deficiency, which affects night vision. Serum RBP4 levels are elevated in insulin-resistant mice and humans with obesity and type 2 diabetes, implying that RBP4, an adipocyte-derived signal, may be a biomarker and a drug target for the two diseases.

Product Datasheets

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