Rat RBP4 OneStep ELISA Kit

Rat RBP4 (Retinol-Binding Protein 4) is a 21-kDa secretory protein belonging to the lipocalin family, characterized by a β-barrel structure that forms a hydrophobic binding pocket for all-trans retinol. It functions as the primary transporter of vitamin A in circulation, delivering retinol from hepatic stores to peripheral tissues via a ternary complex with transthyretin (TTR), which prevents glomerular filtration. Rat RBP4 shares ~80% amino acid sequence identity with human and mouse orthologs, preserving its retinol-binding residues (e.g., Leu35, Phe57) but exhibiting subtle species-specific differences in affinity for TTR and stability. As a key regulator of vitamin A homeostasis, RBP4 influences vision, immune responses, and cellular differentiation. Recent studies highlight its role as an adipokine, linking elevated RBP4 levels to insulin resistance in rodent metabolic models. Due to its conserved function and disease relevance, rat RBP4 serves as a critical experimental target for investigating metabolic disorders and retinoid-based therapies.