STARD5 specific ligand binding: Comparison with STARD1 and STARD4 subfamilies

► We demonstrated that STARD5 specifically binds bile acids but not cholesterol. ► The binding site of STARD5 has been experimentally defined. ► The ligand binding by STARD1, STARD5 and STARD6 was monitored by NMR. ► We compare the binding site of STARD5 with those of STARD1 and STARD4 subfamilies. ► The potential biological implications of bile acid binding by STARD5 are discussed.