The diversity of lipocalin receptors

Lipocalins are important carriers of preferentially hydrophobic molecules, but they can also bind other ligands, like highly polar siderophores or intact proteins. Consequently, they are involved in a variety of physiological processes in many species. Since lipocalins are mainly extracellular proteins, they have to interact with cell receptors to exert their biological effects. In contrast to the large number of lipocalins identified in the last years, the number of receptors known is still limited. Nevertheless, some novel findings concerning the molecules involved in cellular uptake or signaling effects of lipocalins have been made recently. This review presents a detailed overview of the receptors identified so far. The methods used for isolation or identification are described and structural as well as functional information on these proteins is presented essentially in chronological order of their initial discovery. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

Lipocalins are crucial carriers of hydrophobic molecules and play a role in various physiological processes in different species. They interact with cell receptors to exert their biological effects. Recent research has revealed new findings on the molecules involved in cellular uptake or signaling effects of lipocalins.