Cholesterol transporter that mediates non-vesicular transport of cholesterol from the plasma membrane (PM) to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (By similarity). Contains unique domains for binding cholesterol and the PM, thereby serving as a molecular bridge for the transfer of cholesterol from the PM to the ER (By similarity). Plays a crucial role in cholesterol homeostasis and has the unique ability to localize to the PM based on the level of membrane cholesterol (By similarity). In lipid-poor conditions localizes to the ER membrane and in response to excess cholesterol in the PM is recruited to the endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane contact sites (EPCS) which is mediated by the GRAM domain (By similarity). At the EPCS, the sterol-binding VASt/ASTER domain binds to the cholesterol in the PM and facilitates its transfer from the PM to ER (By similarity). May play a role in tumor progression (By similarity). Plays a role in autophagy regulation and is required for biogenesis of the autophagosome (PubMed:31222192). This function in autophagy requires its cholesterol-transfer activity (PubMed:31222192).
