Phospholipid transfer proteins: mechanism of action.

Phospholipid transfer proteins are generally localized in the cytosolic fraction of cells and are capable of catalyzing the flux of phospholipid molecules among membranes. Artificial membranes also participate in protein-catalyzed phospholipid movements. In this review the major phospholipid transfer proteins are discussed with respect to their phospholipid substrate specificity and the contributions of membrane physical properties to this process. The phenomenon of net transfer of phospholipids is described. The use of various kinetic approaches to the study of these catalysts is reviewed. A detailed consideration of the distinct phospholipid binding and membrane interaction domains of one phospholipid transfer protein is presented. Finally, some recent applications of phospholipid transfer proteins to the examination of membrane structure and function and further directions for the continued research activity with this class of proteins are summarized.