HDLBP: Proteins and Enzymes

HDL-binding protein 1 (HDLBP) is a novel protein that may be involved in the regulation of the delivery of fats to cells for energy and storage. Digested fats travel to the small intestine, where they are packaged into chylomicrons (particles filled with triglycerides). Chylomicrons then travel through the bloodstream and deliver triglycerides to tissues that are hungry for fuel or to adipose tissue for energy storage. Triglycerides are broken down or hydrolyzed by the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LpL). The triglyceride breakdown products are then taken up and used by cells. HDLBP is the molecule in capillaries that facilitates the capture of chylomicrons and facilitates the interaction with LpL. It has been shown that fats in the bloodstream are not readily metabolized in the absence of HDLBP.