prenylated
Prenylated refers to a molecule that has undergone prenylation, a biochemical modification in which isoprenoid units are covalently attached. The most common prenyl groups are farnesyl (a 15-carbon chain) and geranylgeranyl (a 20-carbon chain). Prenylation can occur on proteins or small organic molecules and often increases hydrophobicity, affecting localization, stability, and interactions.
In proteins, prenylation typically targets those with a C-terminal CaaX motif (C = cysteine, a = aliphatic amino
In secondary metabolism, prenylation is performed by prenyltransferases that attach prenyl groups to aromatic substrates, producing