Beyond the superfamily: the lipocalin receptors

Lipocalins are characterized by multiple molecular recognition properties including the ability to bind to cell surface receptors. Receptors for a number of lipocalins have been identified. These include receptors for alpha -1-microglobulin, insecticyanin, glycodelin, retinol-binding protein, alpha -1-acid glycoprotein, beta -lactoglobulin and odorant-binding protein. The properties of these receptors are summarized and discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.