The Roles of Protein S-Palmitoylation in Cancers: From Dynamic Modulation to Therapeutic Potential
Haonan Zheng1,2, Xiaoyu Sun1,3, Yang Gao1,2
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China.
Cancer Communications (London, England)
|April 6, 2026
Summary
Protein S-palmitoylation, a reversible lipid modification, is crucial in cancer development and progression. This review details its role in cancer stem cell formation and tumor microenvironments, highlighting therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Protein S-palmitoylation is a conserved posttranslational lipid modification on cysteine residues.
- It critically influences protein maturation, localization, trafficking, and stability.
- Its reversible and dynamic nature makes it pivotal in cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review cancer-related S-palmitoylation enzymes.
- To highlight the role of palmitoylation/depalmitoylation in cancer stem cell and tumor microenvironment transitions.
- To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting S-palmitoylation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on S-palmitoylation enzymes.
- Analysis of mechanisms linking S-palmitoylation dynamics to cancer progression.
- Exploration of therapeutic strategies targeting S-palmitoylation.
Main Results:
- Key cancer-related S-palmitoylation enzymes' expression profiles and distributions were summarized.
- The dynamic regulation by palmitoylation/depalmitoylation in cancer cell transformation and microenvironment changes was highlighted.
- Emerging therapeutic strategies, including inhibitors and substrate-binding site blockade, were discussed.
Conclusions:
- S-palmitoylation is a dynamic regulatory axis in cancer.
- Targeting S-palmitoylation offers translational potential for cancer therapy.
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