Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a 21kDa secreted protein encoded by the gene mapped to human chromosome 10q23-q24. RBP4 belongs to the lipocalin family, involved in the migration of small hydrophobic molecules. RBP4 is majorly expressed in liver and adipose tissues.
Synonyms: PRBP; Plasma retinol-binding protein; RBP; Retinol Binding Protein 4
Purity: >=90% (SDS-PAGE)
Storage: -20C
Biochem Physiol Actions: Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) acts as a primary transporter of retinol (vitamin A) in blood. RBP4 might act as a potent biomarker for abdominal obesity. Aberration in the expression of RBP4 is associated with the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity and insulin resistance. Overexpression of serum RBP4 increases the risk for carotid artery plaque formation and coronary heart disease (CHD) in Chinese population. Therefore, regulation of serum RBP4 level might be implicated in prevention, diagnosis, and CHD treatment. A recent study in non-obese subjects revealed that decreased expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in adipose tissues results in an elevated serum RBP4 level and insulin resistance.