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A Convenient and General Expression Platform for the Production of Secreted Proteins from Human Cells
Published on: July 31, 2012
Acyltransferases for secreted signalling proteins (Review)
Shu-Chun Chang1, Anthony I Magee
1Section of Molecular Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Molecular Membrane Biology
|January 27, 2009
Summary
The MBOAT family of transmembrane enzymes acylates key signaling proteins like Hedgehog and Wnt, crucial for their function and spread. Understanding these enzymes may reveal new therapeutic targets for diseases including cancer and obesity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The MBOAT family comprises multispanning transmembrane enzymes.
- These enzymes catalyze the acylation of secreted signaling proteins, including Hedgehog, Wg/Wnt, and ghrelin families.
- Acylation is essential for the biological activity and intercellular spread of these signaling proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the MBOAT family of enzymes.
- To understand the role of MBOAT enzymes in the secretory pathway.
- To explore the potential of MBOAT enzymes as therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme activity assays.
- Protein localization studies within the secretory pathway.
- Analysis of signaling protein acylation and function.
Main Results:
- MBOAT enzymes were confirmed to catalyze the acylation of Hedgehog, Wg/Wnt, and ghrelin signaling proteins.
- Acylation was shown to occur during transport through the secretory pathway.
- The process is critical for establishing extracellular concentration gradients of signaling molecules.
Conclusions:
- MBOAT enzymes play a vital role in the post-translational modification and secretion of important signaling proteins.
- Characterization of MBOAT enzymes provides insights into disease mechanisms.
- MBOAT enzymes represent potential therapeutic targets for cancer, obesity, and diabetes.
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