ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 expression disrupts raft membrane microdomains through its ATPase-related functions

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is known to mediate cholesterol efflux to lipid-poor apolipoprotein A-I. In addition, ABCA1 has been shown to influence functions of the plasma membrane, such as endocytosis and phagocytosis. Here, we report that ABCA1 expression results in a significant redistribution of cholesterol and sphingomyelin from rafts to non-rafts. Caveolin, a raft/caveolae marker also redistributes from punctate caveolae-like structures to the general area of the plasma membrane upon ABCA1 expression. Furthermore, we observed significant reduction of Akt activation in ABCA1-expressing cells, consistent with raft disruption. Cholesterol content in the plasma membrane is, however, not altered. Moreover, we provide evidence that a non-functional ABCA1 with mutation in an ATP-binding domain, A937V, fails to redistribute cholesterol, sphingomyelin, or caveolin. A937V also fails to influence Akt activation. Finally, we show that apolipoprotein A-I preferentially associates with non-raft membranes in ABCA1-expressing cells. Our results thus demonstrate that ABCA1 causes a change in overall lipid packing of the plasma membrane, likely through its ATPase-related functions. Such reorganization by ABCA1 effectively expands the non-raft membrane fractions and, consequentially, pre-conditions cells for cholesterol efflux.