Roles of palmitoylation in axon growth, degeneration and regeneration

J Neurosci Res. 2017 Aug;95(8):1528-1539. doi: 10.1002/jnr.24003. Epub 2017 Feb 2.

Abstract

The protein-lipid modification palmitoylation plays important roles in neurons, but most attention has focused on roles of this modification in the regulation of mature pre- and post-synapses. However, exciting recent findings suggest that palmitoylation is also critical for both the growth and integrity of neuronal axons and plays previously unappreciated roles in conveying axonal anterograde and retrograde signals. Here we review these emerging roles for palmitoylation in the regulation of axons in health and disease. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Keywords: Axon degeneration; DLK; Peripheral Neuropathy; Protein trafficking; Retrograde Transport; Wallerian.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Lipoylation / physiology*
  • Nerve Degeneration / metabolism
  • Nerve Degeneration / physiopathology*
  • Nerve Regeneration / physiology*
  • Neuronal Outgrowth / physiology*