Zinc finger DHHC domain-containing palmitoyltransferase 16 (ZDHHC16)

**Zinc finger DHHC domain-containing palmitoyltransferase 16 (ZDHHC16)** is a multi-pass transmembrane enzyme of the DHHC (Asp-His-His-Cys motif) palmitoyltransferase family, primarily localized on the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi membranes[3]. It catalyzes reversible S-palmitoylation—the covalent attachment of palmitate (a 16-carbon fatty acid) to cysteine residues on substrate proteins via a thioester bond, modulating their membrane association, stability, trafficking, assembly, and function[1][3]. ZDHHC16 is recognized as a “writer” of palmitoyl marks on proteins such as phospholamban (PLN) and other DHHC enzymes including ZDHHC6[1][3]. It is essential for normal heart and eye development, likely by regulating protein palmitoylation required for these processes, and is implicated in neural stem cell proliferation through FGF/ERK signaling. Loss of ZDHHC16 function is embryonically lethal in mice, consistent with its fundamental developmental roles[1]. Alternative names include Abl-philin 2 (reflecting interaction with the c-Abl tyrosine kinase)[1]. No approved drugs are known to target ZDHHC16 directly[3], and no established clinical biomarkers or specific safety issues have been reported, though its critical physiological functions suggest therapeutic interventions would need to be carefully evaluated.

Other names

Palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC16Abl-philin 2APH2DHHC-16UNQ2570/PRO6258Zinc finger DHHC domain-containing protein 16Zinc finger DHHC-type containing 16

Catalyzes S-palmitoylation of target cysteine residues in protein substrates, thereby affecting their localization, stability, and function