protein palmitoylation

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The covalent attachment of a palmitoyl group to a protein. [GOC:jl, PMID:15520806]

Protein palmitoylation is a reversible post-translational modification that involves the attachment of palmitic acid, a 16-carbon saturated fatty acid, to cysteine residues within a protein. This modification plays a critical role in regulating a wide range of cellular processes, including protein trafficking, membrane association, signaling, and protein-protein interactions. The process is typically catalyzed by palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs), a family of enzymes that transfer palmitate from a palmitoyl-CoA donor to the cysteine residue of the target protein. The reaction proceeds through a two-step mechanism: 1) the formation of a thioester bond between the palmitate and the active site cysteine of the PAT enzyme, followed by 2) the transfer of palmitate to the cysteine residue of the target protein. Palmitoylation can be reversed by palmitoyl protein thioesterases (PPTs), which hydrolyze the thioester bond between palmitate and the cysteine residue. The palmitoylation status of a protein is dynamic and can be regulated by a variety of factors, including cellular signaling pathways, protein phosphorylation, and the availability of palmitoyl-CoA. This dynamic regulation allows cells to fine-tune the localization, activity, and interactions of palmitoylated proteins in response to changing cellular conditions. Palmitoylation is crucial for the proper function of a wide range of proteins, including those involved in signal transduction, membrane trafficking, and cytoskeletal organization. For example, palmitoylation is essential for the localization and function of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a large family of cell surface receptors that play critical roles in regulating a variety of physiological processes. Palmitoylation of GPCRs facilitates their association with the plasma membrane, thereby enhancing their ability to interact with their signaling partners and activate downstream signaling pathways. Additionally, palmitoylation is involved in the regulation of ion channels, cytoskeletal proteins, and enzymes, underscoring its importance in diverse cellular processes.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (5)