Sec14 related proteins in yeast

Lipid transport between membranes of eukaryotic organisms represents an essential aspect of organelle biogenesis. This transport must be strictly selective and directional to assure specific lipid composition of individual membranes. Despite the intensive research effort in the last few years, our understanding of how lipids are sorted and moved within cells is still rather limited. Evidence indicates that at least some of the mechanisms generating and maintaining non-random distribution of lipids in cells are linked to the action of phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs). The major PITP in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Sec14p, is essential in promoting Golgi secretory function by modulating of its membrane lipid composition. This review focuses on a group of five yeast proteins that share significant sequence homology with Sec14p. Based on this sequence identity, they were termed Sfh (Sec fourteen homologue) proteins. It is a diverse group of proteins with distinct subcellular localizations and varied physiological functions related to lipid metabolism, phosphoinositide mediated signaling and membrane trafficking.