Palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC8 (ZDHHC8)

Palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC8 is an enzyme encoded by the ZDHHC8 gene in humans. It contains four transmembrane domains and is a member of the zinc finger DHHC domain-containing protein family. ZDHHC8 catalyzes the transfer of palmitate (a fatty acid) to cysteine residues on diverse protein substrates, influencing the localization, stability, and function of these proteins. This post-translational modification is critical for the proper activity of several membrane-associated proteins, including the cholesterol transporter ABCA1 and the D2 dopamine receptor, and may also play a role in neuronal signaling and glutamatergic transmission. ZDHHC8 has additionally been implicated in the biogenesis and infectivity of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 via spike protein palmitoylation. Variants or defects in ZDHHC8 are associated with increased susceptibility to schizophrenia and possibly with certain cancers (e.g., prostate cancer). There are no approved drugs known to directly target ZDHHC8, and its safety profile as a drug target is undetermined.

Other names

ZDHHC8DHHC8ZDHHCL1ZNF378KIAA1292Zinc finger DHHC domain-containing protein 8Zinc finger DHHC-type containing 8Zinc finger DHHC-type palmitoyltransferase 8membrane-associated DHHC8 zinc finger proteinzinc finger protein 378zinc finger, DHHC domain-like containing 1

Hypothetical inhibition or modulation of palmitoyltransferase activity, but no drug examples exist. For viruses, modulation could affect spike protein maturation and infectivity.