How are fatty acids transported into and out of cell membrane?

It was originally believed that the transport of fatty acids into and out of the cell membrane had occurred through passive diffusion. However, it has now been accepted that fatty acids cross the cell membrane by a protein-mediated mechanism instead. The protein-mediated mechanism has a major role in regulating uptake by major tissues. Membrane bound fatty acid-binding proteins (fatty acid transporters) do this via their quick and reversible conversion from storage structures to the cell membrane. Common fatty acid transporters include CD36, plasma membrane-associated fatty acid binding proteins, and FATP1-6. These transporters also play roles in diseases such as type-2 diabetes.