Molecular cloning of human von Ebner's gland protein, a member of the lipocalin superfamily highly expressed in lingual salivary glands

Molten globule state of tear lipocalin: ANS binding restores tertiary interactions

“…Numerous putative functions, most of which are linked to the binding of various classes of ligand, have been suggested for TL [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. One postulate is that TL stabilizes and modulates lipid in the tear film through a molten globule state triggered by low pH at the aqueous-lipid interface [5].…”

Evidence for internal and external binding sites on human tear lipocalin

“…It is the principal lipid binding protein in tears with ligands that include fatty acids, alkyl alcohols, glycolipids, phospholipids and cholesterol [7]. TL binds a host of other biologically important compounds including sapid molecules [8], retinol [9], potentially harmful lipid oxidation products [10], antioxidants [11], and fungal siderphores [12]. Several putative functions have been assigned to TL such as scavenging lipid from the corneal surface to prevent the formation of lipid induced dry spots [13], solubilization of lipid in tears (2), antimicrobial activity [14], cysteine proteinase inhibition [15], endonuclease activity [16] and scavenging of toxic molecules [10].…”

The Use of Electrophoresis for the Study of Saliva Involvement in Ingestive Behavior

“…However, in a sensory-based study, lipocalin 1, although measured, was not pointed as an important salivary factor correlated with detection threshold to the taste of oleic acid [22]. Bläker et al (1993) [20] suggested another function for lipocalin 1, namely that it has a protective effect of taste structures against the detergent action of fatty acids. Concerning Ebnerin, it has been found only in rats, more specifically released into the clefts of circumvallate papillae [19].…”

“…To our knowledge, systemic proteome analysis of VEG saliva has never been performed. However, by studying VEG from rats [18,19] and human subjects [20], two specific proteins have been identified. These are the VEG protein, which is also known as lipocalin 1, and Ebnerin.…”