The membrane-associated protein encoded by this gene is a member of the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. ABC proteins transport various molecules across extra- and intracellular membranes.This protein is a member of the ABCA subfamily.Members of the ABCA subfamily comprise the only major ABC subfamily found exclusively in multicellular eukaryotes.With cholesterol as its substrate, this protein functions as a cholesterol efflux pump in the cellular lipid removal pathway.
