PDZD8

Lipid transfer and molecular tethering protein, which plays a key role in the formation of membrane contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum and other organelles, such as late endosomes/lysosomes and mitochondria. Facilitates the exchange of lipids at membrane contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum and organelles by mediating the transport of lipids, such as ceramide, cholesterol and phosphatidylserine. Also acts as a molecular glue by undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation, forming condensates that mediate stable adhesion between endoplasmic reticulum and surrounding organelles, connecting two distinct membrane-bound vesicles coupled together. Connects the endoplasmic reticulum to late endosomes/lysosomes, facilitating the exchange of lipids, which is crucial for membrane remodeling and processes, such as neurite outgrowth. PDZD8-dependent endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria membrane tethering is essential for endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria Ca(2+) transfer. In neurons, involved in the regulation of dendritic Ca(2+) dynamics by regulating mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake in neurons. Mediates lysosomal vacuolation, a process during which lysosomes abnormally enlarge into large membrane-bound sacs in response to stress such as osmotic stress: acts by mediating bulk lipid transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum to lysosomes, leading to vacuole formation. Plays an indirect role in the regulation of cell morphology and cytoskeletal organization. May indirectly inhibit herpes simplex virus 1 infection at an early stage..

Function from UniProtKB (Q8NEN9), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.