Catalyzes the efflux of phospholipids such as sphingomyelin, cholesterol and its oxygenated derivatives like 7beta-hydroxycholesterol and this transport is coupled to hydrolysis of ATP (, ). The lipid efflux is ALB-dependent . Is an active component of the macrophage lipid export complex. Could also be involved in intracellular lipid transport processes. The role in cellular lipid homeostasis may not be limited to macrophages. Prevents cell death by transporting cytotoxic 7beta-hydroxycholesterol .
Subcellular locations: Endoplasmic reticulum membrane, Golgi apparatus membrane, Cell membrane
Predominantly localized in the intracellular compartments mainly associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi membranes.
Expressed in several tissues. Expressed in macrophages; expression is increased in macrophages from patients with Tangier disease.