Fabp6, also known as ileal lipid binding protein, is a bile acid carrier protein. It is a component of the bile acid recovery system in the small intestine, playing a crucial role in maintaining bile acid homeostasis [4,5,6]. Fabp6 may also be involved in fatty acid metabolism, and its associated pathways likely intersect with those related to lipid and glucose metabolism [2].

In gene-knockout (KO) mouse models, Fabp6-/-mice showed enhanced excretion of both bile acids and fat on a Western-style diet (WSD), indicating dietary fat malabsorption on a high-fat diet [4]. The WSD also induced a sexually dimorphic increase in adiposity in Fabp6-/-mice, along with sexually distinct changes in gut microbiota composition. Additionally, Fabp6-deficient mice had a markedly decreased ovulation rate in response to superovulatory treatment, suggesting its role in ovarian function [6]. In cancer research, knockdown of FABP6 in glioma cells decreased cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, and in colorectal cancer cells, knockdown increased tumor cell immunogenicity [1,3].

In conclusion, Fabp6 is essential for bile acid and fat metabolism, as well as ovarian function. Studies using KO mouse models have revealed its potential roles in diseases such as glioma and colorectal cancer, highlighting its significance as a potential therapeutic target in these disease areas.