Digeranylgeranylated

Digeranylgeranylated refers to a chemical modification where two geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) molecules are attached to a substrate. This process, known as digeranylgeranylation, is a form of isoprenoid modification. Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate is a C20 isoprenoid precursor. The addition of these bulky lipophilic groups significantly alters the physical and biochemical properties of the modified molecule.

This type of modification is observed in various biological contexts. For instance, certain proteins undergo digeranylgeranylation. This process often serves to anchor proteins to cellular membranes, facilitating their localization and function within specific cellular compartments. The hydrophobic nature of the geranylgeranyl chains allows for insertion into lipid bilayers. Digeranylgeranylation can also influence protein-protein interactions and protein stability.

The enzymes responsible for catalyzing digeranylgeranylation are called geranylgeranyltransferases. These enzymes are crucial for the proper functioning of many cellular processes, including signal transduction and protein trafficking. Defects in digeranylgeranylation pathways have been linked to various diseases, highlighting its biological significance. The study of digeranylgeranylated molecules and their associated enzymes is an active area of research in biochemistry and molecular biology.