depalmitoylázó

Depalmitoylation is a reversible post-translational modification where a palmitoyl group is removed from a protein. Palmitoylation, also known as S-palmitoylation, is the addition of a palmitate lipid to a protein, typically to cysteine residues. This process is mediated by enzymes called palmitoyltransferases. Depalmitoylation, conversely, is carried out by depalmitoylases, a class of thioesterases.

This dynamic modification plays a crucial role in regulating protein function, localization, and interactions. The addition and removal of the palmitoyl group can alter a protein's hydrophobicity, influencing its association with cellular membranes. For example, depalmitoylation can lead to a protein detaching from the cell membrane and entering the cytoplasm. This dynamic process is important for signal transduction pathways, protein trafficking, and synaptic plasticity in neurons. The balance between palmitoylation and depalmitoylation is tightly controlled and essential for normal cellular processes. Dysregulation of these enzymes has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders.