Design, synthesis and biological activity evaluation of novel covalent S-acylation inhibitors

In order to obtain diverse S-acylation inhibitors and address the defects of existing S-acylation inhibitors, a series of novel covalent S-acylation inhibitors are designed through synthesis. According to the results of MTT assay, most compounds produce a better anti-proliferation effect on MCF-7, MGC-803 and U937 cell lines than 2-BP. Among them, 8d, 8i, 8j and 10e exert a significant inhibitory effect on MCF-7 cell, with the IC₅₀ values falling below 20 μM. Besides, the toxic effects of some compounds on 3T3 cell line are less significant than 2-BP. According to the results of acyl-biotin exchange (ABE) experiment, most of them could inhibit S-acylation, and 8i performs best in this respect, with the inhibitory rate reaching 89.3% at the concentration of 20 μM. The results of molecular docking show the conjugation of 8i with surrounding amino acids. Additionally, 8i could not only suppress the migration of MCF-7 cell line, but also cause it to stagnate in G0/G1 phase, thus promoting cell apoptosis.

Palmitoylation and G-protein coupled receptors

More and more it is being appreciated that not all GPCRs are the same, sub-populations of GPCRs exist within a cell and function differently than others. The question is, how does one regulate a given sub-population? One way is through the addition of post-translational modifications to G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR). This process has long been known to occur and play a role in trafficking, pharmacology and ultimately function. This chapter will focus on one particular modification, that of S-palmitoylation, and its impact on GPCR function. We will discuss the history of this modification on these receptors and the connection with disease. We will highlight several examples from the literature of where palmitoylation impacts GPCR function.

S-Acylation of Proteins of Coronavirus and Influenza Virus: Conservation of Acylation Sites in Animal Viruses and DHHC Acyltransferases in Their Animal Reservoirs

Recent pandemics of zoonotic origin were caused by members of coronavirus (CoV) and influenza A (Flu A) viruses. Their glycoproteins (S in CoV, HA in Flu A) and ion channels (E in CoV, M2 in Flu A) are S-acylated. We show that viruses of all genera and from all hosts contain clusters of acylated cysteines in HA, S and E, consistent with the essential function of the modification. In contrast, some Flu viruses lost the acylated cysteine in M2 during evolution, suggesting that it does not affect viral fitness. Members of the DHHC family catalyze palmitoylation. Twenty-three DHHCs exist in humans, but the number varies between vertebrates. SARS-CoV-2 and Flu A proteins are acylated by an overlapping set of DHHCs in human cells. We show that these DHHC genes also exist in other virus hosts. Localization of amino acid substitutions in the 3D structure of DHHCs provided no evidence that their activity or substrate specificity is disturbed. We speculate that newly emerged CoVs or Flu viruses also depend on S-acylation for replication and will use the human DHHCs for that purpose. This feature makes these DHHCs attractive targets for pan-antiviral drugs.

Coupled Control of Distal Axon Integrity and Somal Responses to Axonal Damage by the Palmitoyl Acyltransferase ZDHHC17

After optic nerve crush (ONC), the cell bodies and distal axons of most retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) degenerate. RGC somal and distal axon degenerations were previously thought to be controlled by two parallel pathways, involving activation of the kinase dual leucine-zipper kinase (DLK) and loss of the axon survival factor nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase-2 (NMNAT2), respectively. Here, we report that palmitoylation of both DLK and NMNAT2 by the palmitoyl acyltransferase ZDHHC17 couples these signals. ZDHHC17-dependent palmitoylation enables DLK-dependent somal degeneration after ONC and also ensures NMNAT-dependent distal axon integrity in healthy optic nerves. We provide evidence that ZDHHC17 also controls survival-versus-degeneration decisions in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and we identify conserved motifs in NMNAT2 and DLK that govern their ZDHHC17-dependent regulation. These findings suggest that the control of somal and distal axon integrity should be considered as a single, holistic process, mediated by the concerted action of two palmitoylation-dependent pathways.

RGS4 controls Gαi3-mediated regulation of Bcl-2 phosphorylation on TGN38-containing intracellular membranes

Intracellular pools of the heterotrimeric G-protein α-subunit Gαi3 (encoded by GNAI3) have been shown to promote growth factor signaling, while at the same time inhibiting the activation of JNK and autophagic signaling following nutrient starvation. The precise molecular mechanisms linking Gαi3 to both stress and growth factor signaling remain poorly understood. Importantly, JNK-mediated phosphorylation of Bcl-2 was previously found to activate autophagic signaling following nutrient deprivation. Our data shows that activated Gαi3 decreases Bcl-2 phosphorylation, whereas inhibitors of Gαi3, such as RGS4 and AGS3 (also known as GPSM1), markedly increase the levels of phosphorylated Bcl-2. Manipulation of the palmitoylation status and intracellular localization of RGS4 suggests that Gαi3 modulates phosphorylated Bcl-2 levels and autophagic signaling from discreet TGN38 (also known as TGOLN2)-labeled vesicle pools. Consistent with an important role for these molecules in normal tissue responses to nutrient deprivation, increased Gαi signaling within nutrient-starved adrenal glands from RGS4-knockout mice resulted in a dramatic abrogation of autophagic flux, compared to wild-type tissues. Together, these data suggest that the activity of Gαi3 and RGS4 from discreet TGN38-labeled vesicle pools are critical regulators of autophagic signaling that act via their ability to modulate phosphorylation of Bcl-2.

Hemagglutinin of Influenza A, but not of Influenza B and C viruses is acylated by ZDHHC2, 8, 15 and 20

Hemagglutinin (HA), a glycoprotein of Influenza A viruses and its proton channel M2 are site-specifically modified with fatty acids. Whereas two cysteines in the short cytoplasmic tail of HA contain only palmitate, stearate is exclusively attached to one cysteine located at the cytoplasmic border of the transmembrane region (TMR). M2 is palmitoylated at a cysteine positioned in an amphiphilic helix near the TMR. The enzymes catalyzing acylation of HA and M2 have not been identified, but zinc finger DHHC domain-containing (ZDHHC) palmitoyltransferases are candidates. We used a siRNA library to knockdown expression of each of the 23 human ZDHHCs in HA-expressing HeLa cells. siRNAs against ZDHHC2 and 8 had the strongest effect on acylation of HA as demonstrated by Acyl-RAC and confirmed by 3H-palmitate labeling. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of ZDHHC2 and 8 in HAP1 cells, but also of the phylogenetically related ZDHHCs 15 and 20 strongly reduced acylation of group 1 and group 2 HAs and of M2, but individual ZDHHCs exhibit slightly different substrate preferences. These ZDHHCs co-localize with HA at membranes of the exocytic pathway in a human lung cell line. ZDHHC2, 8, 15 and 20 are not required for acylation of the HA-esterase-fusion protein of Influenza C virus that contains only stearate at one transmembrane cysteine. Knockout of these ZDHHCs also did not compromise acylation of HA of Influenza B virus that contains two palmitoylated cysteines in its cytoplasmic tail. Results are discussed with respect to the acyl preferences and possible substrate recognition features of the identified ZDHHCs.

The expression of select genes necessary for membrane-associated estrogen receptor signaling differ by sex in adult rat hippocampus

17β-estradiol can rapidly modulate neuron function via membrane estrogen receptors (ERs) in a sex-specific manner. For example, female rat hippocampal neurons express palmitoylated versions of ERα and ERβ that associate with the plasma membrane. These membrane-associated ERs are organized by caveolin proteins into functional signaling microdomains with metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). ER/mGluR signaling mediates several sex-specific estradiol actions on hippocampal neuron function. An important unanswered question regards the mechanism by which sex-specific membrane-associated ER signaling is generated, especially since it has been previously demonstrated that mGluR action is not sex-specific. One possibility is that the genes necessary for the ER membrane complex are differentially expressed between males and females, including genes that encode ERα and β, caveolin 1 and 3, and/or the palmitoylacyltransferases DHHC-7 and -21. Thus we used qPCR to test the hypothesis that these genes show sex differences in expression in neonatal and adult rat hippocampus. As an additional control we tested the expression of the 20 other DHHC palmitoylacyltransferases with no known connections to ER. In neonatal hippocampus, no sex differences were detected in gene expression. In adult hippocampus, the genes that encode caveolin 1 and DHHC-7 showed decreased expression in females compared to males. Thus, select genes differ by sex at specific developmental stages, arguing for a more nuanced model than simple widespread perinatal emergence of sex differences in all genes enabling sex-specific estradiol action. These findings enable the generation of new hypotheses regarding the mechanisms by which sex differences in membrane-associated ER signaling are programmed.

S-Palmitoylation Sorts Membrane Cargo for Anterograde Transport in the Golgi

While retrograde cargo selection in the Golgi is known to depend on specific signals, it is unknown whether anterograde cargo is sorted, and anterograde signals have not been identified. We suggest here that S-palmitoylation of anterograde cargo at the Golgi membrane interface is an anterograde signal and that it results in concentration in curved regions at the Golgi rims by simple physical chemistry. The rate of transport across the Golgi of two S-palmitoylated membrane proteins is controlled by S-palmitoylation. The bulk of S-palmitoylated proteins in the Golgi behave analogously, as revealed by click chemistry-based fluorescence and electron microscopy. These palmitoylated cargos concentrate in the most highly curved regions of the Golgi membranes, including the fenestrated perimeters of cisternae and associated vesicles. A palmitoylated transmembrane domain behaves similarly in model systems.

SwissPalm 2: Protein S-Palmitoylation Database

Protein S-palmitoylation is increasingly recognized as an important posttranslational modification, present in all eukaryotic organisms, involved in the regulation of many biological processes. The SwissPalm database centralizes the large and increasing number of published palmitoyl-proteome datasets, provides tools to compare them, and includes curated data from the literature on the identification and analysis of palmitoylated proteins. SwissPalm 2 provides an updated version, with 38 palmitoyl-proteomes at the time of release, from 17 different species, and new features such as the inclusion of orthologs.

Palmitoylation of caveolin-1 is regulated by the same DHHC acyltransferases that modify steroid hormone receptors

Palmitoylation is a reversible post-translational addition of a 16-carbon lipid chain involved in trafficking and compartmentalizing target proteins. It is important for many cellular functions, including signaling via membrane-localized estrogen receptors (ERs). Within the nervous system, palmitoylation of ERα is necessary for membrane surface localization and mediation of downstream signaling through the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Substitution of the single palmitoylation site on ERα prevents its physical association with the integral membrane protein caveolin-1 (CAV1), required for the formation of the ER/mGluR signaling complex. Interestingly, siRNA knockdown of either of two palmitoyl acyltransferases, zinc finger DHHC type-containing 7 (DHHC7) or DHHC21, also eliminates this signaling mechanism. Because ERα has only one palmitoylation site, we hypothesized that one of these DHHCs palmitoylates CAV1. We investigated this possibility by using an acyl-biotin exchange assay in HEK293 cells in conjunction with DHHC overexpression and found that DHHC7 increases CAV1 palmitoylation. Substitution of the palmitoylation sites on CAV1 eliminated this effect but did not disrupt the ability of the DHHC enzyme to associate with CAV1. In contrast, siRNA-mediated knockdown of DHHC7 alone was not sufficient to decrease CAV1 palmitoylation but rather required simultaneous knockdown of DHHC21. These findings provide additional information about the overall influence of palmitoylation on the membrane-initiated estrogen signaling pathway and highlight the importance of considering the influence of palmitoylation on other CAV1-dependent processes.

Greasing the wheels or a spanner in the works? Regulation of the cardiac sodium pump by palmitoylation

The ubiquitous sodium/potassium ATPase (Na pump) is the most abundant primary active transporter at the cell surface of multiple cell types, including ventricular myocytes in the heart. The activity of the Na pump establishes transmembrane ion gradients that control numerous events at the cell surface, positioning it as a key regulator of the contractile and metabolic state of the myocardium. Defects in Na pump activity and regulation elevate intracellular Na in cardiac muscle, playing a causal role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmias and heart failure. Palmitoylation is the reversible conjugation of the fatty acid palmitate to specific protein cysteine residues; all subunits of the cardiac Na pump are palmitoylated. Palmitoylation of the pump's accessory subunit phospholemman (PLM) by the cell surface palmitoyl acyl transferase DHHC5 leads to pump inhibition, possibly by altering the relationship between the pump catalytic α subunit and specifically bound membrane lipids. In this review, we discuss the functional impact of PLM palmitoylation on the cardiac Na pump and the molecular basis of recognition of PLM by its palmitoylating enzyme DHHC5, as well as effects of palmitoylation on Na pump cell surface abundance in the cardiac muscle. We also highlight the numerous unanswered questions regarding the cellular control of this fundamentally important regulatory process.

The palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC20 enhances interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) palmitoylation and antiviral activity

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) is a cellular endosome- and lysosome-localized protein that restricts numerous virus infections. IFITM3 is activated by palmitoylation, a lipid posttranslational modification. Palmitoylation of proteins is primarily mediated by zinc finger DHHC domain-containing palmitoyltransferases (ZDHHCs), but which members of this enzyme family can modify IFITM3 is not known. Here, we screened a library of human cell lines individually lacking ZDHHCs 1-24 and found that IFITM3 palmitoylation and its inhibition of influenza virus infection remained strong in the absence of any single ZDHHC, suggesting functional redundancy of these enzymes in the IFITM3-mediated antiviral response. In an overexpression screen with 23 mammalian ZDHHCs, we unexpectedly observed that more than half of the ZDHHCs were capable of increasing IFITM3 palmitoylation with ZDHHCs 3, 7, 15, and 20 having the greatest effect. Among these four enzymes, ZDHHC20 uniquely increased IFITM3 antiviral activity when both proteins were overexpressed. ZDHHC20 colocalized extensively with IFITM3 at lysosomes unlike ZDHHCs 3, 7, and 15, which showed a defined perinuclear localization pattern, suggesting that the location at which IFITM3 is palmitoylated may influence its activity. Unlike knock-out of individual ZDHHCs, siRNA-mediated knockdown of both ZDHHC3 and ZDHHC7 in ZDHHC20 knock-out cells decreased endogenous IFITM3 palmitoylation. Overall, our results demonstrate that multiple ZDHHCs can palmitoylate IFITM3 to ensure a robust antiviral response and that ZDHHC20 may serve as a particularly useful tool for understanding and enhancing IFITM3 activity.

Identification and dynamics of the human ZDHHC16-ZDHHC6 palmitoylation cascade

S-Palmitoylation is the only reversible post-translational lipid modification. Knowledge about the DHHC palmitoyltransferase family is still limited. Here we show that human ZDHHC6, which modifies key proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum, is controlled by an upstream palmitoyltransferase, ZDHHC16, revealing the first palmitoylation cascade. The combination of site specific mutagenesis of the three ZDHHC6 palmitoylation sites, experimental determination of kinetic parameters and data-driven mathematical modelling allowed us to obtain detailed information on the eight differentially palmitoylated ZDHHC6 species. We found that species rapidly interconvert through the action of ZDHHC16 and the Acyl Protein Thioesterase APT2, that each species varies in terms of turnover rate and activity, altogether allowing the cell to robustly tune its ZDHHC6 activity.

Structural Basis for Substrate Recognition by the Ankyrin Repeat Domain of Human DHHC17 Palmitoyltransferase

DHHC enzymes catalyze palmitoylation, a major post-translational modification that regulates a number of key cellular processes. There are up to 24 DHHCs in mammals and hundreds of substrate proteins that get palmitoylated. However, how DHHC enzymes engage with their substrates is still poorly understood. There is currently no structural information about the interaction between any DHHC enzyme and protein substrates. In this study we have investigated the structural and thermodynamic bases of interaction between the ankyrin repeat domain of human DHHC17 (ANK17) and Snap25b. We solved a high-resolution crystal structure of the complex between ANK17 and a peptide fragment of Snap25b. Through structure-guided mutagenesis, we discovered key residues in DHHC17 that are critically important for interaction with Snap25b. We further extended our finding by showing that the same residues are also crucial for the interaction of DHHC17 with Huntingtin, one of its most physiologically relevant substrates.

Specific Palmitoyltransferases Associate with and Activate the Epithelial Sodium Channel

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) has an important role in regulating extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure, as well as airway surface liquid volume and mucociliary clearance. ENaC is a trimer of three homologous subunits (α, β, and γ). We previously reported that cytoplasmic residues on the β (βCys-43 and βCys-557) and γ (γCys-33 and γCys-41) subunits are palmitoylated. Mutation of Cys that blocked ENaC palmitoylation also reduced channel open probability. Furthermore, γ subunit palmitoylation had a dominant role over β subunit palmitoylation in regulating ENaC. To determine which palmitoyltransferases (termed DHHCs) regulate the channel, mouse ENaCs were co-expressed in Xenopus oocytes with each of the 23 mouse DHHCs. ENaC activity was significantly increased by DHHCs 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14. ENaC activation by DHHCs was lost when γ subunit palmitoylation sites were mutated, whereas DHHCs 1, 2, and 14 still activated ENaC lacking β subunit palmitoylation sites. β subunit palmitoylation was increased by ENaC co-expression with DHHC 7. Both wild type ENaC and channels lacking β and γ palmitoylation sites co-immunoprecipitated with the five activating DHHCs, suggesting that ENaC forms a complex with multiple DHHCs. RT-PCR revealed that transcripts for the five activating DHHCs were present in cultured mCCD_cl1 cells, and DHHC 3 was expressed in aquaporin 2-positive principal cells of mouse aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron where ENaC is localized. Treatment of polarized mCCD_cl1 cells with a general inhibitor of palmitoylation reduced ENaC-mediated Na⁺ currents within minutes. Our results indicate that specific DHHCs have a role in regulating ENaC.

Reciprocal Phosphorylation and Palmitoylation Control Dopamine Transporter Kinetics

The dopamine transporter is a neuronal protein that drives the presynaptic reuptake of dopamine (DA) and is the major determinant of transmitter availability in the brain. Dopamine transporter function is regulated by protein kinase C (PKC) and other signaling pathways through mechanisms that are complex and poorly understood. Here we investigate the role of Ser-7 phosphorylation and Cys-580 palmitoylation in mediating steady-state transport kinetics and PKC-stimulated transport down-regulation. Using both mutational and pharmacological approaches, we demonstrate that these post-translational modifications are reciprocally regulated, leading to transporter populations that display high phosphorylation-low palmitoylation or low phosphorylation-high palmitoylation. The balance between the modifications dictates transport capacity, as conditions that promote high phosphorylation or low palmitoylation reduce transport Vmax and enhance PKC-stimulated down-regulation, whereas conditions that promote low phosphorylation or high palmitoylation increase transport Vmax and suppress PKC-stimulated down-regulation. Transitions between these functional states occur when endocytosis is blocked or undetectable, indicating that the modifications kinetically regulate the velocity of surface transporters. These findings reveal a novel mechanism for control of DA reuptake that may represent a point of dysregulation in DA imbalance disorders.

Protein S-palmitoylation and cancer

Protein S-palmitoylation is a reversible posttranslational modification of proteins with fatty acids, an enzymatic process driven by a recently discovered family of protein acyltransferases (PATs) that are defined by a conserved catalytic domain characterized by a DHHC sequence motif. Protein S-palmitoylation has a prominent role in regulating protein location, trafficking and function. Recent studies of DHHC PATs and their functional effects have demonstrated that their dysregulation is associated with human diseases, including schizophrenia, X-linked mental retardation, and Huntington's Disease. A growing number of reports indicate an important role for DHHC proteins and their substrates in tumorigenesis. Whereas DHHC PATs comprise a family of 23 enzymes in humans, a smaller number of enzymes that remove palmitate have been identified and characterized as potential therapeutic targets. Here we review current knowledge of the enzymes that mediate reversible palmitoylation and their cancer-associated substrates and discuss potential therapeutic applications.

Palmitoylation of LIM Kinase-1 ensures spine-specific actin polymerization and morphological plasticity

Precise regulation of the dendritic spine actin cytoskeleton is critical for neurodevelopment and neuronal plasticity, but how neurons spatially control actin dynamics is not well defined. Here, we identify direct palmitoylation of the actin regulator LIM kinase-1 (LIMK1) as a novel mechanism to control spine-specific actin dynamics. A conserved palmitoyl-motif is necessary and sufficient to target LIMK1 to spines and to anchor LIMK1 in spines. ShRNA knockdown/rescue experiments reveal that LIMK1 palmitoylation is essential for normal spine actin polymerization, for spine-specific structural plasticity and for long-term spine stability. Palmitoylation is critical for LIMK1 function because this modification not only controls LIMK1 targeting, but is also essential for LIMK1 activation by its membrane-localized upstream activator PAK. These novel roles for palmitoylation in the spatial control of actin dynamics and kinase signaling provide new insights into structural plasticity mechanisms and strengthen links between dendritic spine impairments and neuropathological conditions.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06327.001

Neurons transmit information from one cell to the next by passing signals across junctions called synapses. For the neurons that receive these signals, these junctions are found on fine branch-like structures called dendrites that stick out of the cell. Dendrites themselves are decorated with smaller structures called dendritic spines, which typically receive information from one other neuron via a single synapse. Dendritic spines form in response to the signaling activity of the neuron, and problems with forming these spines have been linked to conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.

Dendritic spines are created by the cell's cytoskeleton—a network of proteins that creates a constantly changing internal scaffold that shapes cells. One cytoskeleton protein called actin exists as thin filaments that can be extended or broken up by other proteins. It is not fully understood how actin is regulated in the dendritic spines. However, some researchers thought that the proteins that control the formation of the actin filaments would need to be localized to the dendritic spines to ensure that the spines form correctly.

Some proteins can be made to localize to cell membranes by attaching a molecule called palmitic acid to them. Previous research has suggested that this ‘palmitoylation’ process is particularly important in neurons. Through a combination of experimental techniques, George et al. now show that palmitoylation is required to localize a protein called LIMK1, which regulates the construction of actin filaments, to the tips of dendritic spines. Further experiments showed that blocking the palmitoylation of LIMK1 alters how actin filaments form, makes spines unstable and causes synapses to be lost.

George et al. also discovered that palmitoylation is necessary for LIMK1 to be activated by another protein that is found at dendritic spine membranes. This ‘dual-control’ mechanism makes it possible to precisely control where actin filaments form within dendritic spines. In addition to LIMK1, several other enzymes are also modified by palmitoylation. It will therefore be interesting to determine whether this dual control mechanism is broadly used by neurons to precisely regulate the structure and function of individual spines and synapses.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06327.002

S-palmitoylation regulates AMPA receptors trafficking and function: a novel insight into synaptic regulation and therapeutics

Glutamate acting on AMPA-type ionotropic glutamate receptor (AMPAR) mediates the majority of fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammalian central nervous system. Dynamic regulation of AMPAR by post-translational modifications is one of the key elements that allow the nervous system to adapt to environment stimulations. S-palmitoylation, an important lipid modification by post-translational addition of a long-chain fatty acid to a cysteine residue, regulates AMPA receptor trafficking, which dynamically affects multiple fundamental brain functions, such as learning and memory. In vivo, S-palmitoylation is controlled by palmitoyl acyl transferases and palmitoyl thioesterases. In this review, we highlight advances in the mechanisms for dynamic AMPA receptors palmitoylation, and discuss how palmitoylation affects AMPA receptors function at synapses in recent years. Pharmacological regulation of S-palmitoylation may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for neurobiological diseases.

Substrate recognition by the cell surface palmitoyl transferase DHHC5

The cardiac phosphoprotein phospholemman (PLM) regulates the cardiac sodium pump, activating the pump when phosphorylated and inhibiting it when palmitoylated. Protein palmitoylation, the reversible attachment of a 16 carbon fatty acid to a cysteine thiol, is catalyzed by the Asp-His-His-Cys (DHHC) motif-containing palmitoyl acyltransferases. The cell surface palmitoyl acyltransferase DHHC5 regulates a growing number of cellular processes, but relatively few DHHC5 substrates have been identified to date. We examined the expression of DHHC isoforms in ventricular muscle and report that DHHC5 is among the most abundantly expressed DHHCs in the heart and localizes to caveolin-enriched cell surface microdomains. DHHC5 coimmunoprecipitates with PLM in ventricular myocytes and transiently transfected cells. Overexpression and silencing experiments indicate that DHHC5 palmitoylates PLM at two juxtamembrane cysteines, C40 and C42, although C40 is the principal palmitoylation site. PLM interaction with and palmitoylation by DHHC5 is independent of the DHHC5 PSD-95/Discs-large/ZO-1 homology (PDZ) binding motif, but requires a ∼ 120 amino acid region of the DHHC5 intracellular C-tail immediately after the fourth transmembrane domain. PLM C42A but not PLM C40A inhibits the Na pump, indicating PLM palmitoylation at C40 but not C42 is required for PLM-mediated inhibition of pump activity. In conclusion, we demonstrate an enzyme-substrate relationship for DHHC5 and PLM and describe a means of substrate recruitment not hitherto described for this acyltransferase. We propose that PLM palmitoylation by DHHC5 promotes phospholipid interactions that inhibit the Na pump.

Technologies and Challenges in Proteomic Analysis of Protein S-acylation

Protein S-acylation (also called palmitoylation) is a pervasive post-translational modification that plays critical roles in regulating protein trafficking, localization, stability, activity, and complex formation. The past decade has witnessed tremendous advances in the study of protein S-acylation, largely owing to the development of novel S-acylproteomics technologies. In this review, we summarize current S-acylproteomics approaches, critically review published S-acylproteomics studies, and envision future directions for the burgeoning S-acylproteomics field. Emerging S-acylproteomics technologies promise to shed new light on this distinct post-translational modification and facilitate the discovery of new disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester activation of Nrf2 pathway is enhanced under oxidative state: structural analysis and potential as a pathologically targeted therapeutic agent in treatment of colonic inflammation

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a polyphenolic natural product that possesses numerous biological activities including anti-inflammatory effects. CAPE-mediated nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation is likely responsible for some of its biological effects. CAPE was chemically modified to yield CAPE analogues that were subjected to experiments examining cellular Nrf2 activity. CAPE and the CAPE analogue with a catechol moiety, but not the other analogues, activated the Nrf2 pathway. In addition, only biotin-labeled CAPE analogues with the catechol moiety precipitated Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1) when incubated with cell lysates and streptavidin agarose beads. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) oxidation of the catechol moiety in CAPE produced an oxidized, electrophilic form of CAPE (Oxi-CAPE) and greatly enhanced the ability of CAPE to activate Nrf2 and to bind to Keap1. Rectal administration of CAPE ameliorated 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced rat colitis and activated the Nrf2 pathway in the inflamed colon, and incubation of CAPE in the lumen of the inflamed distal colon generated Oxi-CAPE. However, these biological effects and chemical change of CAPE were not observed in the normal colon. Our data suggest that CAPE requires the catechol moiety for the oxidation-enhanced activation of the Nrf2 pathway and has potential as a pathologically targeted Nrf2-activating agent that is exclusively activated in pathological states with oxidative stress such as colonic inflammation.