OBP Anticorpi

The Lipocalin protein family is a large group of small extracellular proteins that function as carriers for hydrophobic molecules in many biological fluids. In the oral sphere (nasal mucus, saliva, tears), Lipocalins have an environmental biosensor function and are involved in the detection of odors and pheromones. OBPs (odorant-binding proteins) are Lipocalins secreted by the olfactory epithelium in mammals and are found freely dissolved in the mucus layer protecting the olfactory neurons. OBPs may act as passive transporters of predominantly hydrophobic odorant molecules across the aqueous mucus layer, or they may play a more active role through recognition by the olfactory neuronal receptor. OBP-2A (odorant-binding protein 2a) is a 170 amino acid protein that may have a high affinity for binding to and transporting aldehydes and large fatty acids. Existing as four alternatively spliced isoforms, OBP-2A is strongly expressed in the nasal structures, salivary and lachrymal glands, and lung. OBP-2B (odorant-binding protein 2b) is a 170 amino acid protein strongly expressed in genital sphere organs such as prostate and mammary glands.