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Lipidation

Lipidation is the attachment of a fatty molecule (lipid) to a protein. This modification often helps the protein stick to cell membranes or move to specific parts of the cell.

Example

The protein Ras, important in cell growth, is lipidated so it can attach to the inside of the cell membrane and send signals.

Types of Lipidation

  • Myristoylation - Addition of myristoyl groups
  • Palmitoylation - Addition of palmitate groups
  • Prenylation - Addition of isoprenoid groups
  • Farnesylation
  • Geranylgeranylation
  • Acetylation - attachment of acetyl groups

Functions

Lipidation serves several purposes:

  • Membrane anchoring - Helps proteins attach to membranes
  • Protein localization - Directs proteins to specific cellular locations
  • Protein-protein interactions - Facilitates interactions with other membrane proteins
  • Signal transduction - Enables membrane-based signaling

Clinical Significance

Variants affecting lipidation sites can:

  • Disrupt membrane localization
  • Affect protein trafficking
  • Impair cellular signaling
  • Alter protein function and interactions