Metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity are reaching epidemic proportions, particularly in developed countries. EU-funded researchers are investigating the role of the retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) receptor in regulating metabolism.
RBP4 acts as a transport protein for delivering Vitamin A (retinol) to tissues and has a role in adipocyte differentiation. Recently, scientists discovered that stimulated by retinoic acid gene 6 (stra6) was the membrane receptor for RBP4 when mediating cellular retinol uptake. Also, an enzyme called retinol saturase (RetSat) promotes adipocyte differentiation through retinol metabolism.
Further details: Retinol metabolism impacts fat regulation