Biochemical and cellular functions of P-4 ATPases

P-4 ATPases (subfamily IV P-type ATPases) form a specialized subfamily of P-type ATPases and have been implicated in phospholipid translocation from the exoplasmic to the cytoplasmic leaflet of biological membranes. Pivotal roles of P-4 ATPases have been demonstrated in eukaryotes, ranging from yeast, fungi and plants to mice and humans. P-4 ATPases might exert their cellular functions by combining enzymatic phospholipid translocation activity with an enzyme-independent action. The latter could be involved in the timely recruitment of proteins involved in cellular signalling, vesicle coat assembly and cytoskeleton regulation. In the present review, we outline the current knowledge of the biochemical and cellular functions of P-4 ATPases in the eukaryotic membrane.