Autoacylation of G protein alpha subunits

Analysis of Protein Cysteine Acylation Using a Modified Suspension Trap (Acyl-Trap)

Proteins undergo reversible S-acylation via a thioester linkage in vivo. S-palmitoylation, modification by C16:0 fatty acid, is a common S-acylation that mediates critical protein-membrane and protein-protein interactions. The most widely used S-acylation assays, including acyl-biotin exchange and acyl resin-assisted capture, utilize blocking of free Cys thiols, hydroxylamine-dependent cleavage of the thioester and subsequent labeling of nascent thiol. These assays generally require >500 μg of protein input material per sample and numerous reagent removal and washing steps, making them laborious and ill-suited for high throughput and low input applications. To overcome these limitations, we devised "Acyl-Trap", a suspension trap-based assay that utilizes a thiol-reactive quartz to enable buffer exchange and hydroxylamine-mediated S-acyl enrichment. We show that the method is compatible with protein-level detection of S-acylated proteins (e.g., H-Ras) as well as S-acyl site identification and quantification using "on trap" isobaric labeling and LC-MS/MS from as little as 20 μg of protein input. In mouse brain, Acyl-Trap identified 279 reported sites of S-acylation and 1298 previously unreported putative sites. Also described are conditions for long-term hydroxylamine storage, which streamline the assay. More generally, Acyl-Trap serves as a proof-of-concept for PTM-tailored suspension traps suitable for both traditional protein detection and chemoproteomic workflows.

Analysis of Protein Cysteine Acylation Using a Modified Suspension Trap (Acyl-Trap)

Proteins undergo reversible S-acylation via a thioester linkage in vivo. S-palmitoylation, modification by C16:0 fatty acid, is a common S-acylation that mediates critical protein-membrane and protein-protein interactions. The most widely used S-acylation assays, including acyl-biotin exchange and acyl resin-assisted capture, utilize blocking of free Cys thiols, hydroxylamine-dependent cleavage of the thioester and subsequent labeling of nascent thiol. These assays generally require >500 micrograms of protein input material per sample and numerous reagent removal and washing steps, making them laborious and ill-suited for high throughput and low input applications. To overcome these limitations, we devised "Acyl-Trap", a suspension trap-based assay that utilizes a thiol-reactive quartz to enable buffer exchange and hydroxylamine-mediated S-acyl enrichment. We show that the method is compatible with protein-level detection of S-acylated proteins (e.g. H-Ras) as well as S-acyl site identification and quantification using "on trap" isobaric labeling and LC-MS/MS from as little as 20 micrograms of protein input. In mouse brain, Acyl-Trap identified 279 reported sites of S-acylation and 1298 previously unreported putative sites. Also described are conditions for long-term hydroxylamine storage, which streamlines the assay. More generally, Acyl-Trap serves as a proof-of-concept for PTM-tailored suspension traps suitable for both traditional protein detection and chemoproteomic workflows.

Protein S-palmitoylation is markedly inhibited by 4″-alkyl ether lipophilic derivatives of EGCG, the major green tea polyphenol: In vitro and in silico studies

S-palmitoylation is a dynamic lipid-based protein post-translational modification facilitated by a family of protein acyltransferases (PATs) commonly known as DHHC-PATs or DHHCs. It is the only lipid modification that is reversible, and this very fact uniquely qualifies it for therapeutic interventions through the development of DHHC inhibitors. Herein, we report that 4″-alkyl ether lipophilic derivatives of EGCG can effectively inhibit protein S-palmitoylation in vitro. With the help of metabolic labeling followed by copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition Click reaction, we demonstrate that 4″-C14 EGCG and 4″-C16 EGCG markedly inhibited S-palmitoylation in various mammalian cells including HEK 293T, HeLa, and MCF-7 using both in gel fluorescence as well as confocal microscopy. Further, these EGCG derivatives were able to attenuate the S-palmitoylation to the basal level in DHHC3-overexpressed cells, suggesting that they are plausibly targeting DHHCs. Confocal microscopy data qualitatively reflected spatial and temporal distribution of S-palmitoylated proteins in different sub-cellular compartments and the inhibitory effects of 4″-C14 EGCG and 4″-C16 EGCG were clearly observed in the native cellular environment. Our findings were further substantiated by in silico analysis which revealed promising binding affinity and interactions of 4″-C14 EGCG and 4″-C16 EGCG with key amino acid residues present in the hydrophobic cleft of the DHHC20 enzyme. We also demonstrated the successful inhibition of S-palmitoylation of GAPDH by 4″-C16 EGCG. Taken together, our in vitro and in silico data strongly suggest that 4″-C14 EGCG and 4″-C16 EGCG can act as potent inhibitors for S-palmitoylation and can be employed as a complementary tool to investigate S-palmitoylation.

Palmitoylation Regulates Human Serotonin Transporter Activity, Trafficking, and Expression and Is Modulated by Escitalopram

In the central nervous system, serotonergic signaling modulates sleep, mood, and cognitive control. During serotonergic transmission, the synaptic concentration of serotonin is tightly controlled in a spatial and temporal manner by the serotonin transporter (SERT). Dysregulation of this process is implicated in the pathogenesis of major-depressive, obsessive-compulsive, and autism-spectrum disorders, which makes SERT a primary target for prescription therapeutics, most notably selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). S-Palmitoylation, the reversible addition of a 16-carbon fatty acid to proteins, is an increasingly recognized dynamic post-translational modification responsible for modulating protein kinetics, trafficking, and localization patterns in response to physiologic/cellular stimuli. In this study, we reveal that human SERTs are a target for palmitoylation, and using the irreversible palmitoyl acyltransferase inhibitor 2-bromopalmitate (2BP), we have identified several associated functions. Using a lower dose of 2BP in shorter time frames, inhibition of palmitoylation was associated with reductions in SERT Vmax, without changes in Km or surface expression. With higher doses of 2BP for longer time intervals, inhibition of palmitoylation was consistent with the loss of cell surface and total SERT protein, suggesting palmitoylation is an important mechanism in regulating SERT trafficking and maintenance of SERT protein through biogenic or anti-degradative processes. Additionally, we have identified that treatment with the SSRI escitalopram decreases SERT palmitoylation analogous to 2BP, reducing SERT surface expression and transport capacity. Ultimately, these results reveal that palmitoylation is a major regulatory mechanism for SERT kinetics and trafficking and may be the mechanism responsible for escitalopram-induced internalization and ultimately decreased cellular SERT protein levels.

Palmitoylation regulates human serotonin transporter activity, trafficking, and expression and is modulated by escitalopram

In the central nervous system, serotonergic signaling modulates sleep, mood, and cognitive control. During neuronal transmission, the synaptic concentration of serotonin is tightly controlled in a spatial and temporal manner by the serotonin transporter (SERT). Dysregulation of serotonergic signaling is implicated in the pathogenesis of major-depressive, obsessive-compulsive, and autism-spectrum disorders, which makes SERT a primary target for prescription therapeutics, most notably selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). S-palmitoylation is an increasingly recognized dynamic post-translational modification, regulating protein kinetics, trafficking, and localization patterns upon physiologic/cellular stimuli. In this study, we reveal that human SERTs are a target for palmitoylation, and using the irreversible palmitoyl acyl-transferase inhibitor, 2-bromopalmitate (2BP) we have identified several associated functions. Using a lower dose of 2BP in shorter time frames, inhibition of palmitoylation was associated with reductions in SERT V max , without changes in K m or surface expression. With higher doses of 2BP for longer time intervals, inhibition of palmitoylation was consistent with the loss of cell surface and total SERT protein, suggesting palmitoylation is an important mechanism in regulating SERT trafficking and maintenance of SERT protein through biogenic or anti-degradative processes. Additionally, we have identified that treatment with the SSRI escitalopram decreases SERT palmitoylation analogous to 2BP, reducing SERT surface expression and transport capacity. Ultimately, these results reveal palmitoylation is a major regulatory mechanism for SERT kinetics and trafficking and may be the mechanism responsible for escitalopram-induced internalization and loss of total SERT protein.

Post-translational palmitoylation of metabolic proteins

Numerous cellular proteins are post-translationally modified by addition of a lipid group to their structure, which dynamically influences the proteome by increasing hydrophobicity of proteins often impacting protein conformation, localization, stability, and binding affinity. These lipid modifications include myristoylation and palmitoylation. Palmitoylation involves a 16-carbon saturated fatty acyl chain being covalently linked to a cysteine thiol through a thioester bond. Palmitoylation is unique within this group of modifications, as the addition of the palmitoyl group is reversible and enzyme driven, rapidly affecting protein targeting, stability and subcellular trafficking. The palmitoylation reaction is catalyzed by a large family of Asp-His-His-Cys (DHHCs) motif-containing palmitoyl acyltransferases, while the reverse reaction is catalyzed by acyl-protein thioesterases (APTs), that remove the acyl chain. Palmitoyl-CoA serves an important dual purpose as it is not only a key metabolite fueling energy metabolism, but is also a substrate for this PTM. In this review, we discuss protein palmitoylation in regulating substrate metabolism, focusing on membrane transport proteins and kinases that participate in substrate uptake into the cell. We then explore the palmitoylation of mitochondrial proteins and the palmitoylation regulatory enzymes, a less explored field for potential lipid metabolic regulation.

Palmitoylation of GNAQ/11 is critical for tumor cell proliferation and survival in GNAQ/11-mutant uveal melanoma

More than 85% of patients with uveal melanoma (UM) carry a GNAQ or GNA11 mutation at a hotspot codon (Q209) that encodes G protein α subunit q/11 polypeptides (Gα_q/11). GNAQ/11 relies on palmitoylation for membrane association and signal transduction. Despite the palmitoylation of GNAQ/11 was discovered long before, its implication in UM remains unclear. Here, results of palmitoylation-targeted mutagenesis and chemical interference approaches revealed that the loss of GNAQ/11 palmitoylation substantially affected tumor cell proliferation and survival in UM cells. Palmitoylation inhibition through the mutation of palmitoylation sites suppressed GNAQ/11^Q209L-induced malignant transformation in NIH3T3 cells. Importantly, the palmitoylation-deficient oncogenic GNAQ/11 failed to rescue the cell death initiated by the knock down of endogenous GNAQ/11 oncogenes in UM cells, which are much more dependent on Gα_q/11 signaling for cell survival and proliferation than other melanoma cells without GNAQ/11 mutations. Furthermore, the palmitoylation inhibitor, 2-bromopalmitate, also specifically disrupted Gα_q/11 downstream signaling by interfering with the MAPK pathway and BCL2 survival pathway in GNAQ/11-mutant UM cells and showed a notable synergistic effect when applied in combination with the BCL2 inhibitor, ABT-199, in vitro. The findings validate that GNAQ/11 palmitoylation plays a critical role in UM and may serve as a promising therapeutic target for GNAQ/11-driven UM.

Insights into auto-S-fatty acylation: targets, druggability, and inhibitors

Posttranslational S-fatty acylation (or S-palmitoylation) modulates protein localization and functions, and has been implicated in neurological, metabolic, and infectious diseases, and cancers. Auto-S-fatty acylation involves reactive cysteine residues in the proteins which directly react with fatty acyl-CoA through thioester transfer reactions, and is the first step in some palmitoyl acyltransferase (PAT)-mediated catalysis reactions. In addition, many structural proteins, transcription factors and adaptor proteins might possess such "enzyme-like" activities and undergo auto-S-fatty acylation upon fatty acyl-CoA binding. Auto-S-fatty acylated proteins represent a new class of potential drug targets, which often harbor lipid-binding hydrophobic pockets and reactive cysteine residues, providing potential binding sites for covalent and non-covalent modulators. Therefore, targeting auto-S-fatty acylation could be a promising avenue to pharmacologically intervene in important cellular signaling pathways. Here, we summarize the recent progress in understanding the regulation and functions of auto-S-fatty acylation in cell signaling and diseases. We highlight the druggability of auto-S-fatty acylated proteins, including PATs and other proteins, with potential in silico and rationalized drug design approaches. We also highlight structural analysis and examples of currently known small molecules targeting auto-S-fatty acylation, to gain insights into targeting this class of proteins, and to expand the "druggable" proteome.

Lipid-induced S-palmitoylation as a Vital Regulator of Cell Signaling and Disease Development

Lipid metabolites are emerging as pivotal regulators of protein function and cell signaling. The availability of intracellular fatty acid is tightly regulated by glycolipid metabolism and may affect human body through many biological mechanisms. Recent studies have demonstrated palmitate, either from exogenous fatty acid uptake or de novo fatty acid synthesis, may serve as the substrate for protein palmitoylation and regulate protein function via palmitoylation. Palmitoylation, the most-studied protein lipidation, encompasses the reversible covalent attachment of palmitate moieties to protein cysteine residues. It controls various cellular physiological processes and alters protein stability, conformation, localization, membrane association and interaction with other effectors. Dysregulation of palmitoylation has been implicated in a plethora of diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, cancers, neurological disorders and infections. Accordingly, it could be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of palmitate metabolite on cellular homeostasis and human diseases. Herein, we explore the relationship between lipid metabolites and the regulation of protein function through palmitoylation. We review the current progress made on the putative role of palmitate in altering the palmitoylation of key proteins and thus contributing to the pathogenesis of various diseases, among which we focus on metabolic disorders, cancers, inflammation and infections, neurodegenerative diseases. We also highlight the opportunities and new therapeutics to target palmitoylation in disease development.

The apple palmitoyltransferase MdPAT16 influences sugar content and salt tolerance via an MdCBL1-MdCIPK13-MdSUT2.2 pathway

Protein S-acyltransferases (PATs) are a category of eukaryotic transmembrane proteins that mediate the S-acylation of their target proteins. S-acylation, commonly known as palmitoylation, is a reversible protein modification that regulates the membrane association and function of target proteins. However, the functions and mechanisms of PATs in apple (Malus domestica) remain poorly understood. In this study, an MdPAT family member, MdPAT16, was identified and shown to have palmitoyltransferase activity. We demonstrated that this gene responds to salt stress and that its expression improves plant salt stress resistance. In addition, its overexpression significantly promotes the accumulation of soluble sugars. The same phenotypes were observed in transgenic tissue culture seedlings, transgenic roots, and Arabidopsis thaliana that ectopically expressed MdPAT16. MdPAT16 was shown to interact with MdCBL1 and stabilize MdCBL1 protein levels through palmitoylation. The N-terminal sequence of MdCBL1 contains a palmitoylation site, and its N-terminal deletion led to changes in MdCBL1 protein stability and subcellular localization. The phenotypes of MdCBL1 transgenic roots and transiently injected apple fruits were fully consistent with the sugar accumulation phenotype of MdPAT16. Mutation of the palmitoylation site interfered with this phenotype. These findings suggest that MdPAT16 palmitoylates its downstream target proteins, improving their stability. This may be a missing link in the plant salt stress response pathway and have an important impact on fruit quality.

Protein S-Palmitoylation: advances and challenges in studying a therapeutically important lipid modification

The lipid post-translational modification S-palmitoylation is a vast developing field, with the modification itself and the enzymes that catalyse the reversible reaction implicated in a number of diseases. In this review, we discuss the past and recent advances in the experimental tools used in this field, including pharmacological tools, animal models and techniques to understand how palmitoylation controls protein localisation and function. Additionally, we discuss the obstacles to overcome in order to advance the field, particularly to the point at which modulating palmitoylation may be achieved as a therapeutic strategy.

Phytochemical Targeting of STAT3 Orchestrated Lipid Metabolism in Therapy-Resistant Cancers

Lipids are critical for maintaining homeostasis and cellular metabolism. However, the dysregulation of lipid metabolism contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases and is a hallmark of several cancer types. Tumours exist in a microenvironment of poor vascularization-depleted oxygen and restricted nutrients. Under these conditions, tumours have been shown to increasingly depend on the metabolism of fatty acids for sustained proliferation and survival. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a key role in cellular processes such as cell growth, apoptosis and lipid metabolism. Aberrant STAT3 activity, as seen in several cancer types, is associated with tumour progression and malignancy, in addition to propagating crosstalk between tumour cells and the microenvironment. Furthermore, STAT3-regulated lipid metabolism is critical for cancer stem cell self-renewal and therapy resistance. Plant-derived compounds known as phytochemicals are a potential source for novel cancer therapeutic drugs. Dietary phytochemicals are known to modulate key cellular signalling pathways involved in lipid homeostasis and metabolism, including the STAT3 signalling pathways. Targeting STAT3 orchestrated lipid metabolism has shown therapeutic promise in human cancer models. In this review, we summarize the antitumour activity of phytochemicals with an emphasis placed on their effect on STAT3-regulated lipid metabolism and their role in abrogating therapy resistance.

Structure and Mechanism of DHHC Protein Acyltransferases

S-acylation, whereby a fatty acid chain is covalently linked to a cysteine residue by a thioester linkage, is the most prevalent kind of lipid modification of proteins. Thousands of proteins are targets of this post-translational modification, which is catalyzed by a family of eukaryotic integral membrane enzymes known as DHHC protein acyltransferases (DHHC-PATs). Our knowledge of the repertoire of S-acylated proteins has been rapidly expanding owing to development of the chemoproteomic techniques. There has also been an increasing number of reports in the literature documenting the importance of S-acylation in human physiology and disease. Recently, the first atomic structures of two different DHHC-PATs were determined using X-ray crystallography. This review will focus on the insights gained into the molecular mechanism of DHHC-PATs from these structures and highlight representative data from the biochemical literature that they help explain.

DHHC5 Mediates β-Adrenergic Signaling in Cardiomyocytes by Targeting Gα Proteins

S-palmitoylation is a reversible posttranslational modification that plays an important role in regulating protein localization, trafficking, and stability. Recent studies have shown that some proteins undergo extremely rapid palmitoylation/depalmitoylation cycles after cellular stimulation supporting a direct signaling role for this posttranslational modification. Here, we investigated whether β-adrenergic stimulation of cardiomyocytes led to stimulus-dependent palmitoylation of downstream signaling proteins. We found that β-adrenergic stimulation led to rapidly increased Gαs and Gαi palmitoylation. The kinetics of palmitoylation was temporally consistent with the downstream production of cAMP and contractile responses. We identified the plasma membrane-localized palmitoyl acyltransferase DHHC5 as an important mediator of the stimulus-dependent palmitoylation in cardiomyocytes. Knockdown of DHHC5 showed that this enzyme is necessary for palmitoylation of Gαs, Gαi, and functional responses downstream of β-adrenergic stimulation. A palmitoylation assay with purified components revealed that Gαs and Gαi are direct substrates of DHHC5. Finally, we provided evidence that the C-terminal tail of DHHC5 can be palmitoylated in response to stimulation and such modification is important for its dynamic localization and function in the plasma membrane. Our results reveal that DHHC5 is a central regulator of signaling downstream of β-adrenergic receptors in cardiomyocytes.

S-Acylation of Proteins

Palmitoylation or S-acylation is the posttranslational attachment of fatty acids to cysteine residues and is common among integral and peripheral membrane proteins. Palmitoylated proteins have been found in every eukaryotic cell type examined (yeast, insect, and vertebrate cells), as well as in viruses grown in these cells. The exact functions of protein palmitoylation are not well understood. Intrinsically hydrophilic proteins, especially signaling molecules, are anchored by long-chain fatty acids to the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane. Palmitoylation may also promote targeting to membrane subdomains enriched in glycosphingolipids and cholesterol or affect protein-protein interactions.This chapter describes (1) a standard protocol for metabolic labeling of palmitoylated proteins and also the procedures to prove a covalent and ester-type linkage of the fatty acids, (2) a simple method to analyze the fatty acid content of S-acylated proteins, (3) two methods to analyze dynamic palmitoylation for a given protein, and (4) protocols to study cell-free palmitoylation of proteins.

The molecular mechanism of DHHC protein acyltransferases

Protein S-acylation is a reversible lipidic posttranslational modification where a fatty acid chain is covalently linked to cysteine residues by a thioester linkage. A family of integral membrane enzymes known as DHHC protein acyltransferases (DHHC-PATs) catalyze this reaction. With the rapid development of the techniques used for identifying lipidated proteins, the repertoire of S-acylated proteins continues to increase. This, in turn, highlights the important roles that S-acylation plays in human physiology and disease. Recently, the first molecular structures of DHHC-PATs were determined using X-ray crystallography. This review will comment on the insights gained on the molecular mechanism of S-acylation from these structures in combination with a wealth of biochemical data generated by researchers in the field.

Protein palmitoylation: Palmitoyltransferases and their specificity

A plethora of novel information has emerged over the past decade regarding protein lipidation. The reversible attachment of palmitic acid to cysteine residues, termed S-palmitoylation, has focused a special attention. This is mainly due to the unique role of this modification in the regulation of protein trafficking and function. A large family of protein acyltransferases (PATs) containing a conserved aspartate-histidine-histidine-cysteine motif use ping-pong kinetic mechanism to catalyze S-palmitoylation of a substrate protein. Here, we discuss the topology of PAT proteins and their cellular localization. We will also give an overview of the mechanism of protein palmitoylation and how it is regulated. New information concerning the recent discovery of depalmitoylating enzymes belonging to the family of α/β-hydrolase domain-containing protein 17 (ABHD17A) is included. Considering the recent advances that have occurred in understanding the mechanisms underlying the interplay between palmitoylation and depalmitoylation, it is clear that we are beginning to understand the fundamental nature of how cellular signal-transduction mediates membrane-level organization in health and disease. Impact statement Protein palmitoylation is one of most important reversible post-translational modifications of protein function in cell-signaling systems. This review gathers the latest information on the molecular mechanism of protein palmitoyl transferase action. It also discusses the issue of substrate specificity of palmitoyl transferases. Another important question is the role of depalmitoylation enzymes. This review should help to formulate questions concerning the regulation of activity of particular PATs as well as of depalmitoylating enzymes (APT).

Protein lipid modifications--More than just a greasy ballast

Covalent lipid modifications of proteins are crucial for regulation of cellular plasticity, since they affect the chemical and physical properties and therefore protein activity, localization, and stability. Most recently, lipid modifications on proteins are increasingly attracting important regulatory entities in diverse signaling events and diseases. In all cases, the lipid moiety of modified proteins is essential to allow water-soluble proteins to strongly interact with membranes or to induce structural changes in proteins that are critical for elemental processes such as respiration, transport, signal transduction, and motility. Until now, roughly about ten lipid modifications on different amino acid residues are described at the UniProtKB database and even well-known modifications are underrepresented. Thus, it is of fundamental importance to develop a better understanding of this emerging and so far under-investigated type of protein modification. Therefore, this review aims to give a comprehensive and detailed overview about enzymatic and nonenzymatic lipidation events, will report their role in cellular biology, discuss their relevancy for diseases, and describe so far available bioanalytical strategies to analyze this highly challenging type of modification.

Lipid Regulation of Sodium Channels

The lipid landscapes of cellular membranes are complex and dynamic, are tissue dependent, and can change with the age and the development of a variety of diseases. Researchers are now gaining new appreciation for the regulation of ion channel proteins by the membrane lipids in which they are embedded. Thus, as membrane lipids change, for example, during the development of disease, it is likely that the ionic currents that conduct through the ion channels embedded in these membranes will also be altered. This chapter provides an overview of the complex regulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic voltage-dependent sodium (Nav) channels by fatty acids, sterols, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and cannabinoids. The impact of lipid regulation on channel gating kinetics, voltage-dependence, trafficking, toxin binding, and structure are explored for Nav channels that have been examined in heterologous expression systems, native tissue, and reconstituted into artificial membranes. Putative mechanisms for Nav regulation by lipids are also discussed.

Autopalmitoylation of TEAD proteins regulates transcriptional output of the Hippo pathway

TEA domain (TEAD) transcription factors bind to the co-activator YAP/TAZ, and regulate the transcriptional output of Hippo pathway, playing critical roles in organ size control and tumorigenesis. Protein S-palmitoylation attaches fatty acid (palmitate) to cysteine residues, and regulates protein trafficking, membrane localization and signaling activities. Using activity-based chemical probes, we discovered that human TEADs possess intrinsic palmitoylating enzyme-like activities, and undergo autopalmitoylation at evolutionarily conserved cysteine residues under physiological conditions. We determined the crystal structures of lipid-bound TEADs, and found that the lipid chain of palmitate inserts into a conserved deep hydrophobic pocket. Strikingly, palmitoylation is required for TEAD’s binding to YAP/TAZ, but dispensable for the binding to Vgll4 tumor suppressor. In addition, palmitoylation does not alter TEAD’s localization. Moreover, TEAD palmitoylation-deficient mutants impaired TAZ-mediated muscle differentiation in vitro, and Yorkie-mediated tissue overgrowth in Drosophila in vivo. Our study directly linked autopalmitoylation to the transcriptional regulation of Hippo pathway.

Position of Proline Mediates the Reactivity of S-Palmitoylation

Palmitoylation, a post-translational modification in which a saturated 16-carbon chain is added predominantly to a cysteine residue, participates in various biological functions. The position of proline relative to other residues being post-translationally modified has been previously reported as being important. We determined that proline is statistically enriched around cysteines known to be S-palmitoylated. The goal of this work was to determine how the position of proline influences the palmitoylation of the cysteine residue. We established a mass spectrometry-based approach to investigate time- and temperature-dependent kinetics of autopalmitoylation in vitro and to derive the thermodynamic parameters of the transition state associated with palmitoylation; to the best of our knowledge, our work is the first to study the kinetics and activation properties of the palmitoylation process. We then used these thermochemical parameters to determine if the position of proline relative to the modified cysteine is important for palmitoylation. Our results show that peptides with proline at the -1 position of cysteine in their sequence (PC) have lower enthalpic barriers and higher entropic barriers in comparison to the same peptides with proline at the +1 position of cysteine (CP); interestingly, the free-energy barriers for both pairs are almost identical. Molecular dynamics studies demonstrate that the flexibility of the cysteine backbone in the PC-containing peptide when compared to the CP-containing peptide explains the increased entropic barrier and decreased enthalpic barrier observed experimentally.

G protein-membrane interactions I: Gαi1 myristoyl and palmitoyl modifications in protein-lipid interactions and its implications in membrane microdomain localization

G proteins are fundamental elements in signal transduction involved in key cell responses, and their interactions with cell membrane lipids are critical events whose nature is not fully understood. Here, we have studied how the presence of myristic and palmitic acid moieties affects the interaction of the Gαi1 protein with model and biological membranes. For this purpose, we quantified the binding of purified Gαi1 protein and Gαi1 protein acylation mutants to model membranes, with lipid compositions that resemble different membrane microdomains. We observed that myristic and palmitic acids not only act as membrane anchors but also regulate Gαi1 subunit interaction with lipids characteristics of certain membrane microdomains. Thus, when the Gαi1 subunit contains both fatty acids it prefers raft-like lamellar membranes, with a high sphingomyelin and cholesterol content and little phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine. By contrast, the myristoylated and non-palmitoylated Gαi1 subunit prefers other types of ordered lipid microdomains with higher phosphatidylserine content. These results in part explain the mobility of Gαi1 protein upon reversible palmitoylation to meet one or another type of signaling protein partner. These results also serve as an example of how membrane lipid alterations can change membrane signaling or how membrane lipid therapy can regulate the cell's physiology.

Current perspective on protein S-acylation in plants: more than just a fatty anchor?

Membranes are an important signalling platform in plants. The plasma membrane is the point where information about the external environment must be converted into intracellular signals, while endomembranes are important sites of protein trafficking, organization, compartmentalization, and intracellular signalling. This requires co-ordinating the spatial distribution of proteins, their activation state, and their interacting partners. This regulation frequently occurs through post-translational modification of proteins. Proteins that associate with the cell membrane do so through transmembrane domains, protein-protein interactions, lipid binding motifs/domains or use the post-translational addition of lipid groups as prosthetic membrane anchors. S-acylation is one such lipid modification capable of anchoring proteins to the membrane. Our current knowledge of S-acylation function in plants is fairly limited compared with other post-translational modifications and S-acylation in other organisms. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that S-acylation can act as more than just a simple membrane anchor: it can also act as a regulatory mechanism in signalling pathways in plants. S-acylation is, therefore, an ideal mechanism for regulating protein function at membranes. This review discusses our current knowledge of S-acylated proteins in plants, the interaction of different lipid modifications, and the general effects of S-acylation on cellular function.

Clickable analogue of cerulenin as chemical probe to explore protein palmitoylation

Dynamic palmitoylation is an important post-translational modification regulating protein localization, trafficking, and signaling activities. The Asp-His-His-Cys (DHHC) domain containing enzymes are evolutionarily conserved palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs) mediating diverse protein S-palmitoylation. Cerulenin is a natural product inhibitor of fatty acid biosynthesis and protein palmitoylation, through irreversible alkylation of the cysteine residues in the enzymes. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of a "clickable" and long alkyl chain analogue of cerulenin as a chemical probe to investigate its cellular targets and to label and profile PATs in vitro and in live cells. Our results showed that the probe could stably label the DHHC-family PATs and enable mass spectrometry studies of PATs and other target proteins in the cellular proteome. Such probe provides a new chemical tool to dissect the functions of palmitoylating enzymes in cell signaling and diseases and reveals new cellular targets of the natural product cerulenin.

Mechanistic insights into the inhibitory effects of palmitoylation on cytosolic thioredoxin reductase and thioredoxin

Overnutrition can lead to oxidative stress, but its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we report that human liver-derived HepG2 cells utilize cytosolic thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1) and thioredoxin (hTrx1) to defend against the high glucose/palmitate-mediated increase in reactive oxygen species. However, enhanced TrxR1/hTrx1 palmitoylation occurs in parallel with a decrease in their activities under the conditions studied here. An autoacylation process appears to be the major mechanism for generating palmitoylated TrxR1/Trx1 in HepG2 cells. A novel feature of this post-translational modification is the covalent inhibition of TrxR1/hTrx1 by palmitoyl-CoA, an activated form of palmitate. The palmitoyl-CoA/TrxR1 reaction is NADPH-dependent and produces palmitoylated TrxR1 at an active site selenocysteine residue. Conversely, S-palmitoylation occurs at the structural Cys62/Cys69/Cys72 residues but not the active site Cys32/Cys35 residues of hTrx1. Palmitoyl-CoA concentration and the period of incubation with TrxR1/hTrx1 are important factors that influence the inhibitory efficacy of palmitoyl-CoA on TrxR1/hTrx1. Thus, an increase in TrxR1/hTrx1 palmitoylation could be a potential consequence of high glucose/palmitate. The time-dependent inactivation of the NADPH-TrxR1-Trx1 system by palmitoyl-CoA occurs in a biphasic manner - a fast phase followed by a slow phase. Kinetic analysis suggests that the fast phase is consistent with a fast and reversible association between TrxR1/hTrx1 and palmitoyl-CoA. The slow phase is correlated with a slow and irreversible inactivation, in which selenolate/thiolate groups nucleophilically attack the α-carbon of bound palmitoyl-CoA, leading to the formation of thioester/selenoester bonds. hTrx1 can enhance rate of fast phase but limits the rate of slow phase when it is present in a preincubation mixture containing NADPH, TrxR1 and palmitoyl-CoA. Therefore, hTrx1 may provide palmitoylation sites or partially protect the TrxR1 active site selenol/thiol group(s) from palmitoylation. Our data suggest that Se/S-palmitoylation acts as an important modulator of TrxR1/hTrx1 activities, representing a novel potential mechanism that underlies overnutrition-induced events.

Identification of Giardia lamblia DHHC proteins and the role of protein S-palmitoylation in the encystation process

Protein S-palmitoylation, a hydrophobic post-translational modification, is performed by protein acyltransferases that have a common DHHC Cys-rich domain (DHHC proteins), and provides a regulatory switch for protein membrane association. In this work, we analyzed the presence of DHHC proteins in the protozoa parasite Giardia lamblia and the function of the reversible S-palmitoylation of proteins during parasite differentiation into cyst. Two specific events were observed: encysting cells displayed a larger amount of palmitoylated proteins, and parasites treated with palmitoylation inhibitors produced a reduced number of mature cysts. With bioinformatics tools, we found nine DHHC proteins, potential protein acyltransferases, in the Giardia proteome. These proteins displayed a conserved structure when compared to different organisms and are distributed in different monophyletic clades. Although all Giardia DHHC proteins were found to be present in trophozoites and encysting cells, these proteins showed a different intracellular localization in trophozoites and seemed to be differently involved in the encystation process when they were overexpressed. dhhc transgenic parasites showed a different pattern of cyst wall protein expression and yielded different amounts of mature cysts when they were induced to encyst. Our findings disclosed some important issues regarding the role of DHHC proteins and palmitoylation during Giardia encystation.

Giardiasis is a major cause of non-viral/non-bacterial diarrheal disease worldwide and has been included within the WHO Neglected Disease Initiative since 2004. Infection begins with the ingestion of Giardia lamblia in cyst form, which, after exposure to gastric acid in the host stomach and proteases in the duodenum, gives rise to trophozoites. The inverse process is called encystation and begins when the trophozoites migrate to the lower part of the small intestine where they receive signals that trigger synthesis of the components of the cyst wall. The cyst form enables the parasite to survive in the environment, infect a new host and evade the immune response. In this work, we explored the role of protein S-palmitoylation, a unique reversible post-translational modification, during Giardia encystation, because de novo generation of endomembrane compartments, protein sorting and vesicle fusion occur in this process. Our findings may contribute to the design of therapeutic agents against this important human pathogen.

Acylation in trypanosomatids: an essential process and potential drug target

Fatty acylation--the addition of fatty acid moieties such as myristate and palmitate to proteins--is essential for the survival, growth, and infectivity of the trypanosomatids: Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania. Myristoylation and palmitoylation are critical for parasite growth, targeting and localization, and the intrinsic function of some proteins. The trypanosomatids possess a single N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) and multiple palmitoyl acyltransferases, and these enzymes and their protein targets are only now being characterized. Global inhibition of either process leads to cell death in trypanosomatids, and genetic ablation of NMT compromises virulence. Moreover, NMT inhibitors effectively cure T. brucei infection in rodents. Thus, protein acylation represents an attractive target for the development of new trypanocidal drugs.

Technologies and Challenges in Proteomic Analysis of Protein S-acylation

Protein S-acylation (also called palmitoylation) is a pervasive post-translational modification that plays critical roles in regulating protein trafficking, localization, stability, activity, and complex formation. The past decade has witnessed tremendous advances in the study of protein S-acylation, largely owing to the development of novel S-acylproteomics technologies. In this review, we summarize current S-acylproteomics approaches, critically review published S-acylproteomics studies, and envision future directions for the burgeoning S-acylproteomics field. Emerging S-acylproteomics technologies promise to shed new light on this distinct post-translational modification and facilitate the discovery of new disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets.

Profiling targets of the irreversible palmitoylation inhibitor 2-bromopalmitate

2-Bromohexadecanoic acid, or 2-bromopalmitate, was introduced nearly 50 years ago as a nonselective inhibitor of lipid metabolism. More recently, 2-bromopalmitate re-emerged as a general inhibitor of protein S-palmitoylation. Here, we investigate the cellular targets of 2-bromopalmitate through the synthesis and application of click-enabled analogues. In cells, 2-bromopalmitate is converted to 2-bromopalmitoyl-CoA, although less efficiently than free palmitate. Once conjugated to CoA, probe reactivity is dramatically enhanced. Importantly, both 2-bromopalmitate and 2-bromopalmitoyl-CoA label DHHC palmitoyl acyl transferases (PATs), the enzymes that catalyze protein S-palmitoylation. Mass spectrometry analysis of enriched 2-bromopalmitate targets identified PAT enzymes, transporters, and many palmitoylated proteins, with no observed preference for CoA-dependent enzymes. These data question whether 2-bromopalmitate (or 2-bromopalmitoyl-CoA) blocks S-palmitoylation by inhibiting protein acyl transferases, or by blocking palmitate incorporation by direct covalent competition. Overall, these findings highlight the promiscuous reactivity of 2BP and validate clickable 2BP analogues as activity-based probes of diverse membrane associated enzymes.

Protein palmitoylation in signal transduction of hematopoietic cells

The covalent attachment of palmitate to proteins can alter protein-lipid and protein-protein interactions thereby influencing protein function. Palmitoylation is a reversible post-translational modification. Thus, like protein phosphorylation, protein palmitoylation can function in activation-dependent signaling pathways. This review will provide an overview of the mechanisms and regulation of protein palmitoylation and focus on the role of palmitoylation in signal transduction pathways of lymphocytes and platelets.

Palmitoylation of influenza virus proteins

Influenza viruses contain two palmitoylated (S-acylated) proteins: the major spike protein HA (haemagglutinin) and the proton-channel M2. The present review describes the fundamental biochemistry of palmitoylation of HA: the location of palmitoylation sites and the fatty acid species bound to HA. Finally, the functional consequences of palmitoylation of HA and M2 are discussed regarding association with membrane rafts, entry of viruses into target cells by HA-mediated membrane fusion as well as the release of newly assembled virus particles from infected cells.

Roles of cysteine residues in the inhibition of human glutamate dehydrogenase by palmitoyl-CoA

Human glutamate dehydrogenase isozymes (hGDH1 and hGDH2) have been known to be inhibited by palmitoyl-CoA with a high affinity. In this study, we have performed the cassette mutagenesis at six different Cys residues (Cys59, Cys93, Cys119, Cys201, Cys274, and Cys323) to identify palmitoyl-CoA binding sites within hGDH2. Four cysteine residues at positions of C59, C93, C201, or C274 may be involved, at least in part, in the inhibition of hGDH2 by palmitoyl-CoA. There was a biphasic relationship, depending on the levels of palmitoyl-CoA, between the binding of palmitoyl-CoA and the loss of enzyme activity during the inactivation process. The inhibition of hGDH2 by palmitoyl-CoA was not affected by the allosteric inhibitor GTP. Multiple mutagenesis studies on the hGDH2 are in progress to identify the amino acid residues fully responsible for the inhibition by palmitoyl-CoA. [BMB Reports 2012; 45(12): 707-712]

Palmitoylation of virus proteins

The article summarises the results of more than 30 years of research on palmitoylation (S‐acylation) of viral proteins, the post‐translational attachment of fatty acids to cysteine residues of integral and peripheral membrane proteins. Analysing viral proteins is not only important to characterise the cellular pathogens but also instrumental to decipher the palmitoylation machinery of cells. This comprehensive review describes methods to identify S‐acylated proteins and covers the fundamental biochemistry of palmitoylation: the location of palmitoylation sites in viral proteins, the fatty acid species found in S‐acylated proteins, the intracellular site of palmitoylation and the enzymology of the reaction. Finally, the functional consequences of palmitoylation are discussed regarding binding of proteins to membranes or membrane rafts, entry of enveloped viruses into target cells by spike‐mediated membrane fusion as well as assembly and release of virus particles from infected cells. The topics are described mainly for palmitoylated proteins of influenza virus, but proteins of other important pathogens, such as the causative agents of AIDS and severe acute respiratory syndrome, and of model viruses are discussed.

A role for aberrant protein palmitoylation in FFA-induced ER stress and β-cell death

Exposure of insulin-producing cells to elevated levels of the free fatty acid (FFA) palmitate results in the loss of β-cell function and induction of apoptosis. The induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is one mechanism proposed to be responsible for the loss of β-cell viability in response to palmitate treatment; however, the pathways responsible for the induction of ER stress by palmitate have yet to be determined. Protein palmitoylation is a major posttranslational modification that regulates protein localization, stability, and activity. Defects in, or dysregulation of, protein palmitoylation could be one mechanism by which palmitate may induce ER stress in β-cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that palmitate-induced ER stress and β-cell toxicity are mediated by excess or aberrant protein palmitoylation. In a concentration-dependent fashion, palmitate treatment of RINm5F cells results in a loss of viability. Similar to palmitate, stearate also induces a concentration-related loss of RINm5F cell viability, while the monounsaturated fatty acids, such as palmoleate and oleate, are not toxic to RINm5F cells. 2-Bromopalmitate (2BrP), a classical inhibitor of protein palmitoylation that has been extensively used as an inhibitor of G protein-coupled receptor signaling, attenuates palmitate-induced RINm5F cell death in a concentration-dependent manner. The protective effects of 2BrP are associated with the inhibition of [(3)H]palmitate incorporation into RINm5F cell protein. Furthermore, 2BrP does not inhibit, but appears to enhance, the oxidation of palmitate. The induction of ER stress in response to palmitate treatment and the activation of caspase activity are attenuated by 2BrP. Consistent with protective effects on insulinoma cells, 2BrP also attenuates the inhibitory actions of prolonged palmitate treatment on insulin secretion by isolated rat islets. These studies support a role for aberrant protein palmitoylation as a mechanism by which palmitate enhances ER stress activation and causes the loss of insulinoma cell viability.

Effects of palmitoylation of Cys(415) in helix 8 of the CB(1) cannabinoid receptor on membrane localization and signalling

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The CB(1) cannabinoid receptor is regulated by its association with membrane microdomains such as lipid rafts. Here, we investigated the role of palmitoylation of the CB(1) receptor by analysing the functional consequences of site-specific mutation of Cys(415) , the likely site of palmitoylation at the end of helix 8, in terms of membrane association, raft targeting and signalling.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The palmitoylation state of CB(1) receptors in rat forebrain was assessed by depalmitoylation/repalmitoylation experiments. Cys(415) was replaced with alanine by site-directed mutagenesis. Green fluorescence protein chimeras of both wild-type and mutant receptors were transiently expressed and functionally characterized in SH-SY5Y cells and HEK-293 cells by means of confocal microscopy, cytofluorimetry and competitive binding assays. Confocal fluorescence recovery after photobleaching was used to assess receptor membrane dynamics, whereas signalling activity was assessed by [(35) S]GTPγS, cAMP and co-immunoprecipitation assays.

KEY RESULTS

Endogenous CB(1) receptors in rat brain were palmitoylated. Mutation of Cys(415) prevented the palmitoylation of the receptor in transfected cells and reduced its recruitment to plasma membrane and lipid rafts; it also increased protein diffusional mobility. The same mutation markedly reduced the functional coupling of CB(1) receptors with G-proteins and adenylyl cyclase, whereas depalmitoylation abolished receptor association with a specific subset of G-proteins.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

CB(1) receptors were post-translationally modified by palmitoylation. Mutation of Cys(415) provides a receptor that is functionally impaired in terms of membrane targeting and signalling.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue-8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue-7.

DHHC protein S-acyltransferases use similar ping-pong kinetic mechanisms but display different acyl-CoA specificities

DHHC proteins catalyze the reversible S-acylation of proteins at cysteine residues, a modification important for regulating protein localization, stability, and activity. However, little is known about the kinetic mechanism of DHHC proteins. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), fluorescent peptide-based assay for protein S-acylation activity was developed to characterize mammalian DHHC2 and DHHC3. Time courses and substrate saturation curves allowed the determination of V(max) and K(m) values for both the peptide N-myristoylated-GCG and palmitoyl-coenzyme A. DHHC proteins acylate themselves upon incubation with palmitoyl-CoA, which is hypothesized to reflect a transient acyl enzyme transfer intermediate. Single turnover assays with DHHC2 and DHHC3 demonstrated that a radiolabeled acyl group on the enzyme transferred to the protein substrate, consistent with a two-step ping-pong mechanism. Enzyme autoacylation and acyltransfer to substrate displayed the same acyl-CoA specificities, further supporting a two-step mechanism. Interestingly, DHHC2 efficiently transferred acyl chains 14 carbons and longer, whereas DHHC3 activity was greatly reduced by acyl-CoAs with chain lengths longer than 16 carbons. The rate and extent of autoacylation of DHHC3, as well as the rate of acyl chain transfer to protein substrate, were reduced with stearoyl-CoA when compared with palmitoyl-CoA. This is the first observation of lipid substrate specificity among DHHC proteins and may account for the differential S-acylation of proteins observed in cells.

Human DHHC proteins: a spotlight on the hidden player of palmitoylation

Palmitoylation is one of the most common posttranslational lipid modifications of proteins and we now know quite a lot about it. However, the state of knowledge about the enzymes that catalyze this process is clearly insufficient. This review is focused on 23 human DHHC genes and their products - protein palmitoyltransferases. Here we describe mainly the structure and function of these proteins, but also, to a lesser degree, what the substrates of the enzymes are and whether they are related to various diseases. The main aim of this review was to catalogue existing information concerning the human DHHC family of genes/proteins, making them and their functions easier to understand.

Understanding Protein Palmitoylation: Biological Significance and Enzymology

Protein palmitoylation is a widespread lipid modification in which one or more cysteine thiols on a substrate protein are modified to form a thioester with a palmitoyl group. This lipid modification is readily reversible; a feature of protein palmitoylation that allows for rapid regulation of the function of many cellular proteins. Mutations in palmitoyltransferases (PATs), the enzymes that catalyze the formation of this modification, are associated with a number of neurological diseases and cancer progression. This review summarizes the crucial role of palmitoylation in biological systems, the discovery of the DHHC protein family that catalyzes protein palmitoylation, and the development of methods for investigating the catalytic mechanism of PATs.

Dynamic palmitoylation and the role of DHHC proteins in T cell activation and anergy

Although protein S-palmitoylation was first characterized >30 years ago, and is implicated in the function, trafficking, and localization of many proteins, little is known about the regulation and physiological implications of this posttranslational modification. Palmitoylation of various signaling proteins required for TCR-induced T cell activation is also necessary for their proper function. Linker for activation of T cells (LAT) is an essential scaffolding protein involved in T cell development and activation, and we found that its palmitoylation is selectively impaired in anergic T cells. The recent discovery of the DHHC family of palmitoyl acyl transferases and the establishment of sensitive and quantitative proteomics-based methods for global analysis of the palmitoyl proteome led to significant progress in studying the biology and underlying mechanisms of cellular protein palmitoylation. We are using these approaches to explore the palmitoyl proteome in T lymphocytes and, specifically, the mechanistic basis for the impaired palmitoylation of LAT in anergic T cells. This chapter reviews the history of protein palmitoylation and its role in T cell activation, the DHHC family and new methodologies for global analysis of the palmitoyl proteome, and summarizes our recent work in this area. The new methodologies will accelerate the pace of research and provide a greatly improved mechanistic and molecular understanding of the complex process of protein palmitoylation and its regulation, and the substrate specificity of the novel DHHC family. Reversible protein palmitoylation will likely prove to be an important posttranslational mechanism that regulates cellular responses, similar to protein phosphorylation and ubiquitination.

Proteomic analysis of fatty-acylated proteins in mammalian cells with chemical reporters reveals S-acylation of histone H3 variants

Bioorthogonal chemical reporters are useful tools for visualizing and identifying post-translational modifications on proteins. Here we report the proteomic analysis of mammalian proteins targeted by a series of fatty acid chemical reporters ranging from myristic to stearic acid. The large-scale analysis of total cell lysates from fully solubilized Jurkat T cells identified known fatty-acylated proteins and many new candidates, including nuclear proteins and in particular histone H3 variants. We demonstrate that histones H3.1, H3.2, and H3.3 are modified with fatty acid chemical reporters and identify the conserved cysteine 110 as a new site of S-acylation on histone H3.2. This newly discovered modification of histone H3 could have implications for nuclear organization and chromatin regulation. The unbiased proteomic analysis of fatty-acylated proteins using chemical reporters has revealed a greater diversity of lipid-modified proteins in mammalian cells and identified a novel post-translational modification of histones.

Glucose stimulation of protein acylation in the pancreatic β-cell

AIMS

To determine whether protein acylation plays a role in the effects of glucose on the insulin secreting β-cell.

MAIN METHODS

The measurement of (3)H-palmitate incorporation into protein in the INS 832/13 cell that has a robust and well-characterized biphasic insulin secretory response to stimulation with glucose.

KEY FINDINGS

Stimulating the cells with glucose increased the incorporation of (3)H-palmitic acid into protein by up to 90%. Similarly, 2-aminobicyclo [2.2.1] heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH) the non-metabolizable analog of leucine that mimics the stimulatory effect of glucose on insulin secretion also increased the incorporation of (3)H-palmitic acid into protein. Treatment of cell lysates with hydroxylamine substantially reduced the incorporation indicating that most of the incorporation was due to enzymatic palmitoylation of proteins. Cerulenin, a classical inhibitor of protein acylation also substantially reduced the incorporation. Using PAGE and autoradiography a glucose-induced increase in protein palmitoylation and specific glucose-induced increases in the palmitoylation of proteins of 30, 44, 48 and 76kD were identified.

SIGNIFICANCE

The data suggest that protein acylation plays multiple roles in β-cell function.

Characterization of the self-palmitoylation activity of the transport protein particle component Bet3

Bet3, a transport protein particle component involved in vesicular trafficking, contains a hydrophobic tunnel occupied by a fatty acid linked to cysteine 68. We reported that Bet3 has a unique self-palmitoylating activity. Here we show that mutation of arginine 67 reduced self-palmitoylation of Bet3, but the effect was compensated by increasing the pH. Thus, arginine helps to deprotonate cysteine such that it could function as a nucleophile in the acylation reaction which is supported by the structural analysis of non-acylated Bet3. Using fluorescence spectroscopy we show that long-chain acyl-CoAs bind with micromolar affinity to Bet3, whereas shorter-chain acyl-CoAs do not interact. Mutants with a deleted acylation site or a blocked tunnel bind to Pal-CoA, only the latter with slightly reduced affinity. Bet3 contains three binding sites for Pal-CoA, but their number was reduced to two in the mutant with an obstructed tunnel, indicating that Bet3 contains binding sites on its surface.

Membrane-binding and enzymatic properties of RPE65

Regeneration of visual pigments is essential for sustained visual function. Although the requirement for non-photochemical regeneration of the visual chromophore, 11-cis-retinal, was recognized early on, it was only recently that the trans to cis retinoid isomerase activity required for this process was assigned to a specific protein, a microsomal membrane enzyme called RPE65. In this review, we outline progress that has been made in the functional characterization of RPE65. We then discuss general concepts related to protein-membrane interactions and the mechanism of the retinoid isomerization reaction and describe some of the important biochemical and structural features of RPE65 with respect to its membrane-binding and enzymatic properties.

Palmitoylation of ketogenic enzyme HMGCS2 enhances its interaction with PPARalpha and transcription at the Hmgcs2 PPRE

Excessive liver production of ketone bodies is one of many metabolic complications that can arise from diabetes, and in severe untreated cases, it can result in ketoacidosis, coma, and death. Mitochondrial HMG-CoA synthase (HMGCS2), the rate-limiting enzyme in ketogenesis, has been shown to interact with PPARalpha and act as a coactivator to up-regulate transcription from the PPRE of its own gene. Although protein palmitoylation is typically a cytosolic process that promotes membrane association, we recently identified 21 palmitoylated proteins in rat liver mitochondria, including HMGCS2. Herein, our data support a mechanism whereby palmitate is first added onto HMGCS2 active site Cys166 and then transacylated to Cys305. Palmitoylation promotes the HMGCS2/PPARalpha interaction, resulting in transcriptional activation from the Hmgcs2 PPRE. These results, together with the fact that 8 of the 21 palmitoylated mitochondrial proteins that we previously identified have nuclear receptor interacting motifs, demonstrate a novel--and perhaps ubiquitous--role for palmitoylation as a modulator of transcription.