How do Lipase A and the CD36 Antibody Relate to Each Other

Obesity, diabetes and metabolic disorders are dramatically on the increase, linked to disorders such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. To combat this, research groups are studying metabolism at both a cellular and a systemic level. Although we at Novus Biologicals have a very extensive Lipid and Metabolism antibody catalog, we will focus on Lipase A and the CD36 antibodies here.

The Lipase A, or Acid Cholesteryl Ester Hydrolase enzyme, is encoded by the LIPA gene. Located in the cell lysosomes, Lipase A plays an essential role in the metabolism, sequestration and degradation of cholesterol, mediating cholesterol uptake and hydrolyzing cholesterol esterases. Impaired Lipase A expression leads to accumulation of cholesterol, which can cause Type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and other disorders. More than 20 genetic mutations of LIPA have been recorded, at least ten of which cause Wolman disease, which is fatal in children.

Lipase A and CD36 antibodies are often used together in the same study. CD36 belongs to the class B scavenger receptor family, and has been shown to mediate selective uptake of HDL-cholesterol esters (Connelly, et al. 1999). CD36 binds to a number of ligands, including long-chain fatty acids and oxidized low density lipoprotein.

In 2004, C.C Bastie, et al. published a paper suggesting CD36 transports fatty acids to a lipase-accessible triglyceride reservoir known to play a role in lipid responsiveness. The following year, Goudriaan, et al. used Lipase A and CD36 antibody products in a study showing lipase-mediated triglyceride clearance was impaired in mice deficient in CD36.

Our antibody catalog continues to be at the forefront of this growing area of research, offering top quality reagents for lipid and cholesterol metabolism research.