Mediates the transfer of phospholipids and free cholesterol from triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (low density lipoproteins or LDL and very low density lipoproteins or VLDL) into high-density lipoproteins (HDL) as well as the exchange of phospholipids between triglyceride-rich lipoproteins themselves (  , ). Facilitates the transfer of a spectrum of different lipid molecules, including diacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, cerebroside and phosphatidyl ethanolamine . Plays an important role in HDL remodeling which involves modulating the size and composition of HDL . Also plays a key role in the uptake of cholesterol from peripheral cells and tissues that is subsequently transported to the liver for degradation and excretion . Two distinct forms of PLTP exist in plasma: an active form that can transfer phosphatidylcholine from phospholipid vesicles to HDL, and an inactive form that lacks this capability .
Subcellular locations: Secreted, Nucleus
Nuclear export is XPO1/CRM1-dependent.
Widely expressed. Highest level of expression in the ovary, thymus and placenta, with moderate levels found in the pancreas, small intestine, testis, lung and prostrate. Low level expression in the kidney, liver and spleen, with very low levels found in the heart, colon, skeletal muscle, leukocytes and brain. Expressed in the cortical neurons.