Palmitoylation of Voltage-Gated Ion Channels

Protein lipidation is one of the most common forms of posttranslational modification. This alteration couples different lipids, such as fatty acids, phospho- and glycolipids and sterols, to cellular proteins. Lipidation regulates different aspects of the protein's physiology, including structure, stability and affinity for cellular membranes and protein-protein interactions. In this scenario, palmitoylation is the addition of long saturated fatty acid chains to amino acid residues of the proteins. The enzymes responsible for this modification are acyltransferases and thioesterases, which control the protein's behavior by performing a series of acylation and deacylation cycles. These enzymes target a broad repertoire of substrates, including ion channels. Thus, protein palmitoylation exhibits a pleiotropic role by differential modulation of the trafficking, spatial organization and electrophysiological properties of ion channels. Considering voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs), dysregulation of lipidation of both the channels and the associated ancillary subunits correlates with the development of various diseases, such as cancer or mental disorders. Therefore, a major role for protein palmitoylation is currently emerging, affecting not only the dynamism and differential regulation of a moiety of cellular proteins but also linking to human health. Therefore, palmitoylation of VGIC, as well as related enzymes, constitutes a novel pharmacological tool for drug development to target related pathologies.

Automated summary

Protein lipidation is a common form of posttranslational modification that regulates various aspects of a protein's physiology, including its structure, stability, and interaction with cellular membranes. Palmitoylation, the addition of long saturated fatty acid chains to proteins, is a key form of lipidation. Enzymes called acyltransferases and thioesterases control the behavior of palmitoylated proteins through a series of acylation and deacylation cycles. Palmitoylation plays a pleiotropic role in regulating the trafficking, spatial organization, and electrophysiological properties of ion channels, particularly voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs). Dysregulation of palmitoylation in VGICs and associated subunits is linked to the development of diseases such as cancer and mental disorders. Therefore, protein palmitoylation is emerging as an important factor in cellular protein regulation and human health.