Cytosolic CRABPs may regulate the access of retinoic acid to the nuclear retinoic acid receptors. During early embryogenesis, expression is generally restricted to tissues which are sensitive to retinoic acid (RA). During gastrulation, expressed in an anterior domain in the neuroectoderm in a region that will generate head structures, and in a posterior domain that contributes to tail formation. During neurula stages, expressed in both the presumptive telencephalon and rhombencephalon, and faintly around the developing cement gland. Also expressed in branchial neural crest cells. During tail bud stages, non-uniformly expressed in the telencephalon, mesencephalon and rhombencephalon. Expressed zygotically from the early gastrula stage. Expression increases throughout gastrulation and remains high during the early neurula and tail bud stages. Forms a beta-barrel structure that accommodates hydrophobic ligands in its interior. Belongs to the calycin superfamily. Fatty-acid binding protein (FABP) family.