The possible role of fatty acylation in proteins

Abstract

In recent years several proteins have been found to be acylated with fatty acids as well as with isoprene units. A large number of acylated proteins are associated with membranes, and it is likely that the fatty acids play an important role in modulating the association with membranes. Here we review the various aspects of fatty acylation. It has been suggested, based on available information, that fatty acids, particularly palmitiate, would reorient peptide chains near the acylation sites from the normal transmembrane orientation.