Direct comparison of mice null for liver or intestinal fatty acid-binding proteins reveals highly divergent phenotypic responses to high fat feeding

Background: Intestinal and liver fatty acid-binding proteins (IFABP and LFABP) are coexpressed in the enterocyte, but their individual functions are not known. Results: High fat feeding promotes different phenotypes in IFABP- and LFABP-null mice. Conclusion: IFABP and LFABP have unique intracellular functions, which in turn produce divergent whole body effects. Significance: Enterocyte FABP ablation modulates intestinal lipid metabolism, which contributes to altered systemic energy homeostasis.