Fosfoproteínas

Fosfoproteínas are proteins that contain covalently bound phosphate groups. This phosphorylation process is a crucial post-translational modification that plays a significant role in regulating protein function, activity, and localization within cells. The phosphate group is typically attached to the hydroxyl group of serine, threonine, or tyrosine amino acid residues. This modification is reversible, meaning it can be added and removed by enzymes called kinases and phosphatases, respectively, allowing for dynamic control of cellular processes.

The presence of phosphate groups can dramatically alter a protein's properties, influencing its charge, conformation, and interactions with other molecules. This makes phosphoproteins central to a vast array of cellular signaling pathways, including those involved in cell growth, differentiation, metabolism, and immune responses. Examples of well-known phosphoproteins include casein, a major protein in milk, and many enzymes involved in metabolic regulation. The study of phosphoproteins and their phosphorylation patterns, known as phosphoproteomics, is an active area of research aiming to understand cellular mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets for diseases.