PLSCR1

PLSCR1 Full Name

phospholipid scramblase 1

PLSCR1 Introduction

PLSCR1 (Phospholipid scramblase 1) is a membrane-associated protein, originally described as an agent that disrupts the asymmetric distribution of phospholipids in the plasma membrane. It is widely expressed in most tissues but is highly expressed in immune cells, epithelial cells and some hematopoietic lineages. PLSCR1 was originally identified as a calcium-dependent phospholipid scramblase. However, several additional intracellular roles for PLSCR1 have since been uncovered, including in signaling, transcriptional regulation and antiviral defense. PLSCR1 is localized to the plasma membrane, nucleus and cytoplasm.

Figure 1. Main molecular mechanisms linking PLSCR1 protein to apoptotic and autophagic processes.(Source: Dal Col J, et al.; 2022)

Functionally, PLSCR1 is involved in the transbilayer movement of phospholipids during cellular activation, apoptosis and blood coagulation. By mediating the externalization of phosphatidylserine, PLSCR1 is involved in cell clearance and coagulation cascade activation. In addition to lipid scrambling, PLSCR1 is an interferon-inducible gene with an antiviral function which supports the activation of the host antiviral innate immune pathways. PLSCR1 has roles in cell growth and differentiation through its interactions with c-Abl, EGFR and STAT signaling molecules. Nuclear PLSCR1 can act as a transcriptional co-regulator, influencing gene expression patterns involved in immunity and cell cycle control.

Aberrant PLSCR1 expression or function has been linked to a number of diseases. PLSCR1 may act as a tumor suppressor in some contexts, but also has been reported to have a tumor promoting function in other types of cancer, where it can influence cellular proliferation and signaling and has been shown to have a role in apoptosis. In hematologic diseases, PLSCR1 has also been shown to be aberrantly regulated, including in acute myeloid leukemia, where it has a role in differentiation. In autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, aberrant phosphatidylserine exposure and impaired immune signaling linked to PLSCR1 can contribute to pathological immune activation. Moreover, its strong induction by interferons connects PLSCR1 to viral infections, including influenza and other RNA viruses, in which reduced activity may weaken antiviral responses.

Alternate Names for PLSCR1

PLSCR1; phospholipid scramblase 1; MMTRA1B; PL scramblase 1; erythrocyte phospholipid scramblase; ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid scramblase 1;

View more

• 1. Dal Col J, et al.; Phospholipid scramblase 1: a protein with multiple functions via multiple molecular interactors. Cell Commun Signal. 2022, 20(1):78.