TIP47 (tail-interacting protein of 47 kD, also named PLIN3) is involved in lipid droplet maturation. The protein has been localized on the surface of lipid droplets present in many cells and tissues, especially in milk fat globule membranes of human and bovine origin. TIP47 shows about 40 % sequence homology to adipophilin. The GP37 antiserum, however, is specific for TIP47/PLIN3 and does not cross-react with adipophilin and perilipin or other proteins of the PLIN/PAT family.