ATP13A2 belongs to the P-type superfamily of ATPases that transport inorganic cations and other substrates across cell membranes.

Atp13a2 has at least 4 transmembrane domains in its N-terminal half and 6 transmembrane domains in its C-terminal half, and the N and C termini are cytoplasmic. The central cytoplasmic region between transmembrane domains 4 and 5 contains the catalytic phosphorylation site. Northern blot analysis detected ubiquitous expression of a 3.8-kb transcript, with strongest expression in brain. Dot blot analysis confirmed predominant expression in adult human brain and demonstrated high expression in fetal brain and all tested subregions of the adult central nervous system, including substantia nigra.