Palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC13 (ZDHHC13)

Palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC13 is an enzyme of the zinc finger DHHC-type protein acyltransferase family that catalyzes the attachment of palmitate (a fatty acid) to specific cysteine residues of substrate proteins, a post-translational modification known as palmitoylation[1][5][8]. ZDHHC13 is ubiquitously expressed and primarily localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus[1][4][6]. It regulates the palmitoylation and membrane association of important substrates such as Huntingtin and Drp1, playing roles in autophagy initiation (e.g., by palmitoylating ULK1), mitochondrial dynamics, fatty acid metabolism, and protein trafficking[1][3][4]. Mutations or loss of ZDHHC13 are associated with a spectrum of disorders, including Huntington disease, osteoporosis, amyloidosis, hair and skin abnormalities, metabolic dysfunction, and certain cancers[1][3][4]. There are currently no approved drugs targeting ZDHHC13 directly, but the molecule is considered a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for neurodegenerative, metabolic, and proliferative diseases[4].

Other names

HIP14LHIP3RPDHHC-13Huntingtin-interacting protein 14-related proteinHuntingtin-interacting protein HIP3RPFLJ10852FLJ10941MAPK-activating protein PM03NF-kappa-B-activating protein 209Zinc finger DHHC-type containing 13

Palmitoylation (addition of palmitate to substrate proteins on cysteine residues), modulation of substrate protein localization and stability, indirect regulation of autophagy, mitochondrial function, and NF-kappaB signaling