Palmitoleoylation

Palmitoleoylation is a type of protein modification that involves the addition of a palmitoleic acid molecule to a protein. This process is a subtype of palmitoylation, which refers to the attachment of fatty acids to proteins. Palmitoleoylation is a crucial process in the biology of cells, playing a significant role in protein function and cellular processes.

Overview

Palmitoleoylation is a reversible post-translational modification that involves the covalent attachment of a 16-carbon monounsaturated fatty acid, palmitoleic acid, to specific cysteine residues of proteins. This process is catalyzed by palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs), a family of enzymes that recognize specific protein substrates and catalyze the transfer of the fatty acid from coenzyme A (CoA) to the protein.

Function

The addition of palmitoleic acid to proteins can influence their function in several ways. It can affect protein stability, protein-protein interactions, and the subcellular localization of proteins. Palmitoleoylation is particularly important for the function of certain membrane proteins, as it can anchor these proteins to the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane. This can influence the protein's activity, its interaction with other proteins, and its cellular location.

Role in Disease

Abnormalities in palmitoleoylation have been linked to several diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. For example, alterations in the palmitoleoylation of certain proteins have been associated with the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In cancer, changes in palmitoleoylation can affect the function of proteins involved in cell growth and survival, contributing to the uncontrolled cell proliferation characteristic of this disease.

See Also

• Protein modification
• Palmitoylation
• Post-translational modification