OXPAT is the mammalian form of the PAT (perilipin, adipophilin, and TIP47) gene family that consists of proteins associated with lipid droplets (LDs) in fat-storing adipocyte cells.
Scavenger Receptor Class B Membrane 1, also known as SR-BI plays an important role in lipid metabolism. Its main function is to mediate transfer of cholesterol between the cell surface and high density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL acts as an extracellular donor and acceptor of free and esterified Cholesterol. SR-BI also acts as a receptor for other ligands including lipoproteins, apoptotic cells and phospholipids.
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.
