Plasma membrane fatty acid‐binding protein (FABPpm) is exclusively located in the maternal facing membranes of the human placenta

FEBS Letters

Campbell, Fiona M.¹  Dutta-Roy, Asim K.¹ 

[1] Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9SB Scotland, UK

关键词: Plasma membrane fatty acid-binding protein (FABPpm);    Syncytiotrophoblast;    Microvillous membrane;    Basal membrane;    Fatty acid uptake;    Human placenta;   

DOI  :  10.1016/0014-5793(95)01216-2

学科分类：生物化学/生物物理

来源: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

【 摘 要 】

We reported earlier the presence of a 40 kDa plasma membrane fatty acid-binding protein (FABP_pm) in human placenta. This protein is thought to be involved in the sequestration of unesterified free fatty acids bound to albumin from the maternal plasma for delivery to the fetus. However, its location in human placental syncytiotrophoblasts is not known. These cells are bipolar; one side facing maternal circulation (microvillous membranes), and the other side facing fetal circulation (basal membranes). Therefore, it is important to resolve the location of this protein in trophoblast membranes in order to understand fatty acid transport and metabolism in human placenta. Isolated plasma membranes vesicles were prepared respectively from the maternal facing microvillous and fetal facing surface of the human full-term placental syncytiotrophoblast. Using these membrane preparations, fatty acid binding activity, the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis radiobinding assay for FABP_pm, and Western blot analysis of FABP_pm were carried out to determine the location of this protein in these membranes. Based on the above studies we conclude that the FABP_pm is located exclusively in the microvillous membranes. Since FABP_pm may be responsible for FFA uptake, its location in the microvillous membranes favours the unidirectional flow of maternal FFA to the fetus.

【 授权许可】

Unknown