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Structural Research of Phospholipid Transferases

Phospholipid transferase participates in the transfer of phospholipids between different membranes and plays a crucial role in maintaining the lipid composition and asymmetry of the membrane. It participates in physiological activities such as vesicle transport, lipid signaling, lipid homeostasis, lipid transport, cell apoptosis, and coagulation.

Research progress in phospholipid transferases

In past research, significant progress has been made in the structural analysis of phospholipid transferases. X-ray diffraction has become a powerful tool for determining the high-resolution structure of these molecules. Multiple studies have reported the cryoelectron microscopy structures of phospholipid transferases, including phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP), phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PCTP), phospholipid transfer protein oxygen sterol binding protein (OSBP), and phosphatidylserine transfer protein (PSTP).

Research progress in PLTP

PLTP, as a typical phospholipid transferase, mediates phospholipid transport between lipoproteins and is crucial for the treatment of lipoprotein abnormalities and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers used various microscopic techniques to show the structure of PLTP. It can be seen to have a banana-shaped structure containing long narrow channels connecting two distal openings and two lipid-binding pockets. Insight into the interaction of PLTP with lipoproteins at the molecular level provides a basis for understanding the mechanism of PLTP-dependent lipid transfer for the treatment of dyslipidemia.

3D reconstruction of PLTP particles. Figure 1. 3D reconstruction of PLTP particles. (Zhang M, et al., 2018)

Protein Organism Method Resolution PDB Entry ID
PITP-Beta complexed to phosphatidylcholine Rattus norvegicus X-ray diffraction 2.18 Å 2A1L
PITP alpha void of bound phospholipid Mus musculus X-ray diffraction 2 Å 1KCM
PITP complexed to phosphatidylcholine Rattus norvegicus X-ray diffraction 2.2 Å 1T27
PITP-alpha complexed to phosphatidylinositol Homo sapiens X-ray diffraction 2.9 Å 1UW5
Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein SEC14P Saccharomyces cerevisiae X-ray diffraction 2.5 Å 1AUA
Sfh2 in an apo form Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C X-ray diffraction 2.2 Å 7WWE
Sfh3 Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C X-ray diffraction 2 Å 4J7P
Sfh5 Saccharomyces cerevisiae YJM789 X-ray diffraction 2.9 Å 6W32
Sfh2 complexed with phosphatidylinositol Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C X-ray diffraction 1.5 Å 7WVT

Table 1. Structural research of phospholipid transferases.

In recent years, several breakthroughs and discoveries have been made in the research of phospholipid transferases using various structural biology methods and techniques, including NMR spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography. The studies can reveal the relationship between structure and function of phospholipid transferases.


Creative Biostructure is a research and service company specializing in protein structural biology. Our professional team has rich experience and expertise to provide full support and solutions for clients' research. We will provide high-quality data and analysis results according to clients' needs and research objectives, help gain a deeper understanding of the structure and function of phospholipid transferases, and promote clients' research to achieve breakthroughs. If you are interested in our services, please contact us for a more detailed description.

Reference

  1. Zhang M, et al. Structural basis of the lipid transfer mechanism of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP). Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids. 2018.1863(9):1082-1094.
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