OXPAT is the mammalian form of the PAT (perilipin, adipophilin, and TIP47) gene family that consists of proteins associated with lipid droplets (LDs) in fat-storing adipocyte cells. They serve to protect LDs from natural lipases responsible for breaking them down during metabolism and are important lipid storage regulators. This phosphoprotein family has fundamental importance in lipolysis and cholesterol synthesis. OXPAT is expressed highest in high fat-oxidative tissues, such as heart, type I skeletal muscle, and brown adipose tissue and is found complexed with adipophilin in cardiomyocytes.
Wolins’ group performed extensive expression and characterization studies collectively in cells, mice, and humans using the OXPAT antibody (1). They generated an in-depth induction profile in mouse adipose tissue, striated muscle, and liver, as well as strong evidence that OXPAT can be used as a marker for both peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) activation and fatty acid oxidation.
Novus Biologicals offers OXPAT reagents for your research needs including: