TMEM41B and VMP1 are scramblases and regulate the distribution of cholesterol and phosphatidylserine
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Updated: Nov 7, 2025

A Fluorescence-based Assay of Phospholipid Scramblase Activity
Published on: September 20, 2016
Yang Emma Li1, Yichang Wang2, Ximing Du1
1School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract:
TMEM41B and VMP1 are integral membrane proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and regulate the formation of autophagosomes, lipid droplets (LDs), and lipoproteins. Recently, TMEM41B was identified as a crucial host factor for infection by all coronaviruses and flaviviruses. The molecular function of TMEM41B and VMP1, which belong to a large evolutionarily conserved family, remains elusive. Here, we show that TMEM41B and VMP1 are phospholipid scramblases whose deficiency impairs the normal cellular distribution of cholesterol and phosphatidylserine. Their mechanism of action on LD formation is likely to be different from that of seipin. Their role in maintaining cellular phosphatidylserine and cholesterol homeostasis may partially explain their requirement for viral infection. Our results suggest that the proper sorting and distribution of cellular lipids are essential for organelle biogenesis and viral infection.
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