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Properties and modes of action of specific and non-specific phospholipid transfer proteins

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Summary

We have described the mode of action of the phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PC-TP), the phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PI-TP) and the non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsL-TP) isolated from bovine and rat tissues. PC-TP and PI-TP specifically bind one phospholipid molecule to be carried between membranes. PC-TP, and most likely PI-TP as well, have independent binding sites for thesn-1- andsn-2-fatty acyl chains. These sites have different properties, which may explain the ability of PC-TP and PI-TP to discriminate between positional phospholipid isomers. nsL-TP, which is identical to sterol carrier protein 2, transfers all common phospholipids, cholesterol and oxysterol derivatives between membranes. This protein is very efficient in mediating a net mass transfer of lipids to lipid-deficient membranes. Models for its mode of action, which is clearly different from that of PC-TP and PI-TP, are presented.

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  1. Centre for Biomembranes and Lipid Enzymology, State University of Utrecht, P.O. Box 80054, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    K. W. A. Wirtz & T. W. J. Gadella Jr

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Wirtz, K.W.A., Gadella, T.W.J. Properties and modes of action of specific and non-specific phospholipid transfer proteins. Experientia 46, 592–599 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01939698

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