Fatty acid-binding protein 2 in inflammatory bowel disease: mechanistic insights and translational perspectives

Fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) is an intestine-specific cytoplasmic lipid chaperone with a molecular weight of approximately 14–15 kDa that plays a pivotal role in the uptake, intracellular trafficking, and metabolism of long-chain fatty acids. Emerging evidence indicates that FABP2 is not only a sensitive biomarker of intestinal mucosal injury but also may contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of IBD, potentially through the modulation of PPARγ signaling pathway, although the underlying mechanisms require further investigation. This review systematically summarizes the structural and functional characteristics of the fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) family members, with particular emphasis on the biological features of FABP2. We discuss the involvement of FABP2 in multisystem diseases and highlight its specific relevance in IBD. Furthermore, we summarize current evidence regarding the potential molecular mechanisms by which FABP2 may influence IBD, including its possible roles in intestinal barrier dysfunction, lipid metabolism, gut microbiota-host interactions, and its potential contribution to the attenuation of intestinal inflammation, possibly through regulation proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem cells. Although the biological investigations of FABP2 in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have yielded promising findings, its clinical translation is still confronted with challenges such as the precise assessment of disease activity and the development of safe and effective targeted therapeutics. Collectively, this review provides a comprehensive reference for researchers and clinicians in the IBD field, highlighting the well-supported role of FABP2 as a diagnostic biomarker while discussing its potential as a therapeutic target, an area that warrants further mechanistic and clinical investigation.