Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 2 (FABP2), also known as intestinal FABP (I-FABP), is a 15 kDa cytosolic protein primarily expressed in enterocytes of the small intestine. It plays a critical role in the uptake, transport, and metabolism of dietary fatty acids by binding hydrophobic ligands like long-chain fatty acids. FABP2 antibodies are immunological tools designed to detect and quantify this protein in research and diagnostic contexts. These antibodies are widely used in studies investigating intestinal function, lipid metabolism, and gut-related pathologies, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
Elevated FABP2 levels in blood or stool are considered biomarkers of enterocyte damage, as the protein is released during intestinal cell injury. Consequently, FABP2 antibodies are employed in ELISA, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess gut integrity in conditions like ischemia, infection, or trauma. Commercially available FABP2 antibodies are typically raised in hosts like rabbits or mice, targeting specific epitopes of the human or murine protein. Validation includes reactivity checks across species and applications.
Research using FABP2 antibodies has also linked its genetic variants (e.g., Ala54Thr polymorphism) to altered lipid metabolism and diabetes risk. Their utility extends to nutritional studies, exploring how dietary fats influence FABP2 expression and metabolic health. Overall, FABP2 antibodies serve as vital reagents in understanding intestinal biology and associated diseases.