Studies of vitamin E binding and transfer by a rat liver cytosolic protein

In vitro vitamin E binding and transfer were examined using a semipurified (sephadex G-75 fraction) vitamin E binding and transfer protein (VE-TBP) from the rat liver cytosol. Binding and transfer studies thus far indicate that the protein is very specific for d-..cap alpha..-tocopherol. Among the other lipophilic ligands examined only d-..gamma..-tocopherol at high concentrations was competitive with d-..cap alpha..-tocopherol binding. Specificity studies also indicate the protein to be stereospecific in nature since dl-..cap alpha..-tocopherol was only partially competitive. Studies using PMSF and NEM also indicate that neither a hydroxyl nor a sulfhydryl functional group on the protein is required for vitamin E binding. Transfer studies show that the VE-TBP is capable of specifically transferring equal amounts of vitamin E from liposomes to both mitochondria and microsomes when comparable protein concentrations are used. This indicates that no preferential transfer to one membrane type occurs. Pretreatment of mitochondria and microsomes with heat, pronase or trypsin also does not affect transfer of vitamin E. Thus, transfer of vitamin E is not dependent on a membrane protein. Finally, the VE-TBP is capable of unidirectional transport of vitamin E from prelabelled microsomes to vitamin E free liposomes.