ISOPRENYLATION Meaning and
Definition
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Isoprenylation, also known as prenylation, refers to a biochemical process in which an isoprenoid group is attached to a target molecule, usually a protein or lipid. Isoprenoids are important lipid-based molecules derived from the essential metabolite isoprene, and they play crucial roles in various biological processes.
In isoprenylation, an isoprenoid molecule, such as farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), is enzymatically added to the target molecule through a series of steps that involve the transfer of the isoprenoid moiety. This enzymatic reaction is catalyzed by specific prenyltransferase enzymes, also known as prenyltransferases or prenyl synthases, which vary depending on the specific isoprenoid and target molecule involved.
Isoprenylation has important functional consequences for the modified target molecule. For example, isoprenylation can facilitate protein-protein interactions and protein-membrane interactions, thereby influencing the localization and association of proteins with cellular membranes. Additionally, isoprenylation can affect the stability, activity, and signaling properties of proteins by altering their structure or conformation.
Isoprenylation plays a vital role in various cellular processes, including cell signaling, membrane trafficking, and intracellular targeting. It is involved in the regulation of key cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Disruptions or alterations in isoprenylation have been associated with several diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
Overall, isoprenylation is a fundamental biochemical process that serves as a post-translational modification, contributing to the structural and functional diversity of proteins and lipids in
Common Misspellings for ISOPRENYLATION
- usoprenylation
- jsoprenylation
- ksoprenylation
- osoprenylation
- 9soprenylation
- 8soprenylation
- iaoprenylation
- izoprenylation
- ixoprenylation
- idoprenylation
- ieoprenylation
- iwoprenylation
- isiprenylation
- iskprenylation
- islprenylation
- ispprenylation
- is0prenylation
- is9prenylation
- isoorenylation
- isolrenylation
Etymology of ISOPRENYLATION
The word "isoprenylation" is derived from the combination of two main components: "isoprene" and "-ylation".
1. Isoprene: Isoprene is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon compound with the chemical formula C5H8. It is a building block for various organic compounds, including many important biological molecules. Isoprenoids are a large class of naturally occurring compounds derived from isoprene.
2. -ylation: The suffix "-ylation" is derived from the verb "ylate", which refers to the process of adding a chemical group called an "yl" group to a molecule. This process is usually denoted by attaching the suffix "-yl" to the base molecule.
Therefore, "isoprenylation" refers to the process of adding or attaching an isoprenoid (isoprene-derived molecule) to a target molecule or protein.
