demyristoylation

Demyristoylation is a biological process that involves the removal of a myristoyl group from a protein. Myristoylation is a type of lipid modification where myristic acid, a saturated fatty acid, is attached to a protein, typically at an N-terminal glycine residue. This acylation often plays a crucial role in protein localization, membrane association, and protein-protein interactions.

The removal of this myristoyl group is carried out by a class of enzymes known as myristoyl-protein ligases, which are also known as demi-myristoylases. These enzymes hydrolyze the amide bond linking the myristic acid to the protein. The process of demyristoylation is important for regulating protein function and turnover. For example, it can be a mechanism to target proteins for degradation or to alter their subcellular localization.

Demyristoylation is a dynamic post-translational modification that contributes to the intricate regulatory networks governing cellular processes. Understanding demyristoylation is vital for comprehending protein function, signaling pathways, and the development of certain diseases. The balance between myristoylation and demyristoylation is tightly controlled within cells to ensure proper protein activity and localization. Dysregulation of this process can have significant cellular consequences.