Glycolipid transfer protein (GLTP)

Glycolipid transfer protein is a small soluble transporter (209 amino acids) present in the cytosol of eukaryotic cells, where it mediates the nonvesicular transfer of glycolipids—especially glycosphingolipids—between cellular membranes[1][2][3]. GLTP is defined by its unique GLTP-fold, a novel α-helical two-layer sandwich motif, which is capable of binding glycolipids with high specificity[2][3]. This structure distinguishes GLTP from other lipid-binding proteins, and it serves as the prototype for a new protein superfamily in eukaryotes[2][3]. GLTP plays important roles in regulating the lipid composition of membranes, influencing cell surface properties, and maintaining glycolipid homeostasis. Overexpression of GLTP can dramatically change cell morphology and motility, and directly interacts with proteins such as δ-catenin, affecting cytoskeletal regulation[1]. However, its direct biological and disease roles remain under investigation, and it is not currently considered a direct drug target or clinical biomarker[1][2][3].

Other names

Glycolipid transfer proteinGLTPhuman GLTPGLTP-fold protein

Facilitates transfer of glycolipids (glycosphingolipids and glycerol-based glycolipids) between membranes via a carrier/shuttle mechanism