Retinol (also known as vitamin A) is unstable and insoluble in the aqueous solution. However, retinol becomes quite stable and soluble in plasma due to its tight interaction with retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), also known as plasma retinol-binding protein. A prototypic member of the lipocalin superfamily, RBP4 has a beta -barrel structure with a well-defined cavity. It is secreted from the liver, a process requiring the availability of retinol. RBP4 delivers retinol from the liver to the peripheral tissues. In plasma, the RBP4-retinol complex interacts with transthyretin (TTR), also known as thyroxine-binding protein and prealbumin. The retinol-RBP4-TTR complex prevents the loss of RBP4 by filtration through the kidney and increases the stability of the retinol-RBP4 complex. Defects in RBP4 cause retinol-binding protein deficiency, which affects night vision.

Codice: AN200017P_100μL | Marca: Elabscience | Confezionamento: 100μL