protein lipidation

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The covalent attachment of lipid groups to an amino acid in a protein. [GOC:jl]

Protein lipidation is a crucial post-translational modification process that involves the covalent attachment of lipid molecules to proteins. This modification plays a critical role in regulating various cellular processes, including protein trafficking, membrane association, signal transduction, and protein-protein interactions.

There are several types of lipidation, each with unique mechanisms and functional consequences:

**1. Myristoylation:** Involves the attachment of myristate, a 14-carbon saturated fatty acid, to the N-terminal glycine residue of a protein. This modification typically occurs co-translationally and is often involved in protein targeting to membranes and protein-protein interactions.

**2. Palmitoylation:** This reversible modification involves the attachment of palmitic acid, a 16-carbon saturated fatty acid, to cysteine residues within a protein. Palmitoylation can occur at the plasma membrane and is often involved in membrane association, protein trafficking, and signal transduction.

**3. Prenylation:** This process involves the attachment of isoprenoid lipids, such as farnesyl or geranylgeranyl, to cysteine residues near the C-terminus of a protein. Prenylation is often involved in protein-protein interactions, membrane association, and signal transduction.

**4. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchoring:** This modification involves the attachment of a GPI anchor, a complex glycolipid, to the C-terminus of a protein. GPI anchoring is typically involved in targeting proteins to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane, where they can interact with other membrane-associated proteins.

**5. Fatty acylation:** This term encompasses a range of lipid modifications, including myristoylation and palmitoylation, that involve the attachment of fatty acids to proteins. Fatty acylation is often involved in protein membrane association and protein-protein interactions.

The specific type of lipidation and the location of lipid attachment within a protein determine the functional consequences of the modification. For instance, myristoylation and palmitoylation can target proteins to specific membrane compartments, while prenylation can modulate protein-protein interactions.

Overall, protein lipidation is a highly regulated process that plays a vital role in maintaining cellular function and homeostasis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and functional consequences of lipidation is crucial for gaining insights into various cellular processes and for developing therapeutic strategies targeting these modifications.'
"

Proteins (4)

Compounds (33)