Palmitoylcarnitine regulates estrification of lipids and promotes palmitoylation of GAP-43

FEBS Lett. 2007 Aug 21;581(21):3950-4. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.07.027. Epub 2007 Jul 23.

Abstract

Palmitoylcarnitine was previously shown to promote differentiation of neuroblastoma NB-2a cells. It was also observed to increase palmitoylation of several proteins and to diminish incorporation of palmitic acid to phospholipids, as well as to affect growth associated protein GAP-43 by decreasing its phosphorylation and interaction with protein kinase C. The present study was focused on influence of palmitoylcarnitine on palmitoylation of GAP-43 and lipid metabolism. Althought palmitoylcarnitine did not significantly affect the total phospholipids and fatty acid content, it increased incorporation of palmitate moiety to triacylglicerides and cholesterol esters, with a decrease of free cholesterol content. The presence of palmitoylcarnitine significantly increased the amount of covalently bound palmitate to GAP-43, which can regulate the signal transduction pathways.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cell Differentiation / radiation effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • GAP-43 Protein / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects
  • Lipid Metabolism / physiology*
  • Palmitic Acid / metabolism*
  • Palmitoylcarnitine / metabolism*
  • Palmitoylcarnitine / pharmacology
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects
  • Protein Kinase C / metabolism
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational / drug effects
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • GAP-43 Protein
  • Palmitoylcarnitine
  • Palmitic Acid
  • Protein Kinase C