Novel folate binding protein-1 interactions in embryonic orofacial tissue

AimTo identify proteins with which FolBp1 may interact within lipid rafts in tissue derived from embryonic orofacial tissue.MethodsA yeast two-hybrid screen of a cDNA library, derived from orofacial tissue from gestational day 11 to 13 mouse embryos, was conducted.Key findingsUsing the full-length FolBp1 protein as bait, two proteins that bind FolBp1 were identified, Bat2d, and a fibronectin type III-containing domain protein. Results were confirmed by glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays.SignificanceAs a component of membrane lipid raft protein complexes, these binding proteins may represent “helper” or chaperone proteins that associate with FolBp1 in order to facilitate the transport of folate across the plasma membrane. The protein–protein interactions detected, while limited in number, may be critical in mediating the role of FolBp1 in folate transport, particularly in the developing embryo.