A lipid-linked membrane protein is a peripheral protein covalently attached to at least one lipid group within the lipid bilayer.
How does the membrane association of lipid-linked proteins compare to integral membrane proteins?
Lipid-linked proteins have a reversible and relatively weak association with the membrane, unlike the strong, tight association of integral membrane proteins.
What are the four types of lipid-linked membrane proteins?
The four types are palmitoylated, prenylated, myristoylated, and GPI-linked proteins.
Which amino acid residue is involved in the linkage of palmitoylated and prenylated proteins?
Cysteine is the amino acid residue involved, as it contains a sulfur atom necessary for thioester or thioether linkages.
What type of covalent linkage is found in palmitoylated proteins?
Palmitoylated proteins have a thioester linkage to any cysteine residue in the protein.
To which lipid group are prenylated proteins covalently attached?
Prenylated proteins are covalently attached to isoprenoids, specifically farnesyl or geranylgeranyl groups.
Where on the protein does the prenylation linkage occur?
Prenylation occurs at the C-terminal cysteine residue of the protein.
What additional modification occurs to prenylated proteins after linkage?
The C-terminal carboxyl group of prenylated proteins is methylated, adding a CH3 group.
What type of linkage is found in myristoylated proteins and to which residue?
Myristoylated proteins have an amide linkage to the N-terminal glycine residue.
Which side of the membrane are palmitoylated, prenylated, and myristoylated proteins typically found?
These three types are typically found on the intracellular side of the membrane.
What is the lipid anchor in GPI-linked proteins?
GPI-linked proteins are anchored via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol group, a complex glycerophospholipid.
How are GPI-linked proteins attached to the protein?
They are attached via an amide linkage to the C-terminal end of the protein.
On which side of the membrane are GPI-linked proteins found?
GPI-linked proteins are found on the extracellular side of the membrane.
What distinguishes the thioester linkage in palmitoylated proteins from the thioether linkage in prenylated proteins?
Thioester linkages involve a carbonyl group bonded to sulfur, while thioether linkages have sulfur bonded to two carbon atoms without a carbonyl group.
Why are lipid-linked membrane proteins considered a subcategory of peripheral membrane proteins?
They are considered peripheral because they are attached to the membrane surface via lipid anchors rather than being embedded within the membrane like integral proteins.