Glia-derived noncanonical fatty acid binding protein modulates brain lipid storage and clearance.

ABSTRACT: Glia-derived secretory factors are essential for brain development, physiology, and homeostasis, with their dysfunction linked to a variety of neurological disorders. Through genetic and biochemical approaches, we identified odorant binding protein 44a (Obp44a), a noncanonical α-helical fatty acid binding protein (FABP) highly expressed in Drosophila central nervous system glia. Obp44a binds long-chain fatty acids and shuttles between glia and neurons, acting as a secretory lipid chaperone and scavenger to support lipid storage, efflux, and redox homeostasis. Notably, Obp44a is recruited to apoptotic cells and injured axons, especially when glial engulfment is impaired, demonstrating its role in lipid waste management and clearance of cellular debris during development and in pathol

SUBMITTER: Yin J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12315990 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature