The Inhibitory Effect of Phospholemman on the Sodium Pump Requires Its Palmitoylation

Background: Phospholemman regulates the plasmalemmal sodium pump in excitable tissues such as the heart. Results: Phospholemman is palmitoylated at two intracellular cysteines, and this reduces ion transport by the sodium pump. Conclusion: Phospholemman must be palmitoylated to inhibit the sodium pump. Significance: This is a potentially new way to regulate the sodium pump, an enzyme expressed in most eukaryotic cells.