geranylaatio

Geranylation is a biochemical process involving the attachment of a geranyl group to a molecule. A geranyl group is a ten-carbon isoprenoid unit derived from geraniol, a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol. This process is a type of prenylation, a broader category of reactions where isoprenoid groups are attached to other molecules.

In biological systems, geranylation primarily occurs on proteins and small molecules. Protein geranylation, specifically, is a post-translational modification where a geranyl pyrophosphate group is covalently attached to an amino acid residue, most commonly cysteine. This modification can influence protein localization, stability, and interaction with other molecules. It is a crucial step in the biosynthesis of various natural products, including lipids, pigments, and secondary metabolites.

Enzymes known as geranyltransferases catalyze these reactions. These enzymes often utilize geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) as the isoprenoid donor. The geranyl group's lipophilic nature often contributes to the membrane association of modified proteins or alters the solubility and function of small molecules.

Geranylation plays a role in diverse biological pathways, from signal transduction and protein trafficking to the production of essential compounds in plants, fungi, and bacteria. Understanding geranylation is important for comprehending cellular function and for developing strategies in drug discovery and metabolic engineering.