Phospholipid-transporting ATPase IG (ATP11C)

Catalytic component of a P4-ATPase flippase complex which catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP coupled to the transport of aminophospholipids from the outer to the inner leaflet of various membranes and ensures the maintenance of asymmetric distribution of phospholipids. In the cell membrane of erythrocytes, it's required to keep phosphatidylserine (PS) from the inner leaflet preventing its exposure on the surface.

This asymmetric distribution is vital for the survival of erythrocytes in circulation since externalized PS is a phagocytic signal for splenic macrophages (PubMed:26944472). Phospholipid translocation appears also to be implicated in vesicle formation and in uptake of lipid signaling molecules (By similarity).