Lipocalin Family (脂质运载蛋白)

Lipocalin Family is a group of proteins with diverse functions, which are characterized by a conserved tertiary structure that can bind and transport small hydrophobic molecules. For example, retinol binding protein (RBP) specifically binds to retinol and is responsible for its transport in the bloodstream. Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) is involved in lipid metabolism and transport. Lactoferrin has antibacterial and iron-binding properties. Prostaglandin D (PGDS) is crucial in the synthesis of prostaglandin D2, which plays roles in various physiological and pathological processes. These lipocalin subtypes have different tissue distributions and functions, and are involved in many biological processes such as vision maintenance, immune defense, lipid metabolism and signal transduction^[1][2].