Identification of PSD-95 palmitoylating enzymes

Neuron. 2004 Dec 16;44(6):987-96. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2004.12.005.

Abstract

Palmitoylation is a lipid modification that plays a critical role in protein trafficking and function throughout the nervous system. Palmitoylation of PSD-95 is essential for its regulation of AMPA receptors and synaptic plasticity. The enzymes that mediate palmitoyl acyl transfer to PSD-95 have not yet been identified; however, proteins containing a DHHC cysteine-rich domain mediate palmitoyl acyl transferase activity in yeast. Here, we isolated 23 mammalian DHHC proteins and found that a subset specifically palmitoylated PSD-95 in vitro and in vivo. These PSD-95 palmitoyl transferases (P-PATs) showed substrate specificity, as they did not all enhance palmitoylation of Lck, SNAP-25b, Galpha(s), or H-Ras in cultured cells. Inhibition of P-PAT activity in neurons reduced palmitoylation and synaptic clustering of PSD-95 and diminished AMPA receptor-mediated neurotransmission. This study suggests that P-PATs regulate synaptic function through PSD-95 palmitoylation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / enzymology
  • COS Cells
  • Carnitine O-Palmitoyltransferase / analysis
  • Carnitine O-Palmitoyltransferase / genetics
  • Carnitine O-Palmitoyltransferase / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein
  • Guanylate Kinases
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mice
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / analysis
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Palmitic Acid / metabolism*

Substances

  • Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein
  • Dlg4 protein, mouse
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • postsynaptic density proteins
  • Palmitic Acid
  • Carnitine O-Palmitoyltransferase
  • Guanylate Kinases