CRBP I Background Information
The cellular retinol-binding proteins (CRBP I, II, III and IV) belong to a superfamily of small cytoplasmic proteins which interact with hydrophobic ligands. Vitamin A, a molecule essential for cell growth and differentiation, embryonic development and vision, is transported into the cell by the CRBPs in its alcoholic form, called retinol. Both CRBP I and II are composed of ten antiparallel ∫-strands, which form a ∫-barrel that contains the retinol molecule, and two å-helices, which cover the open ends of the barrel. CRBP I mediates the cellular uptake of retinol, solubilizes and detoxifies it for further transport within the cytoplasm, and presents it to the appropriate enzymes to biosynthesize retinoic acid, an active form of retinol or retinyl esters, which are stored. CRBP I is expressed in human ovary, adrenal and pituitary glands, and testis, and its expression is modulated by TGF∫. CRBP II is expressed solely in the small intestine and mediates the absorption of retinoids and carotenoids to biosynthesize retinyl esters. CRBP III and CRBP IV are cytoplasmic proteins that, like CRBP I and CRBP II, form ∫-barrel structures and participate in the intracellular transport of retinol.
