Palmitoylation in Crohn’s disease: Current status and future directions

Abstract

S-palmitoylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications in nature; however, its importance has been overlooked for decades. Crohn’s disease (CD), a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation involving the entire gastrointestinal tract. Bowel damage and subsequent disabilities caused by CD are a growing global health issue. Well-acknowledged risk factors for CD include genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, such as a westernized lifestyle, and altered gut microbiota. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of this disorder are not yet comprehensively understood. With the rapidly increasing global prevalence of CD and the evident role of S-palmitoylation in CD, as recently reported, there is a need to investigate the relationship between CD and S-palmitoylation. In this review, we summarize the concept, detection, and function of S-palmitoylation as well as its potential effects on CD, and provide novel insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of CD.

Core Tip: S-palmitoylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications in nature; however, its importance has been overlooked for decades. Crohn’s disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the entire gastrointestinal tract, whose underlying mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Recent studies have revealed a key role of S-palmitoylation in CD; therefore, there is a need to elucidate the relationship between CD and S-palmitoylation. This review summarizes the basic facts of S-palmitoylation and its potential effect on CD to provide novel insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of CD.

INTRODUCTION

Cysteine palmitoylation or S-palmitoylation is the process of adding a 16-carbon saturated fatty acyl chain to the sulfhydryl group of cysteine residues of proteins via a labile thioester bond[1,2]. Initial reports on the modification of proteins by palmitate using ¹⁴C-labeled palmitic acid date back to the 1970s. Evidence supporting the modification of cysteine residues emerged in the 1980s[3]. Since then, accumulating evidence has shown that over 2000 proteins are S-palmitoylated in mammals, as documented in SwissPalm, an S-palmitoylation database (https://swisspalm.org/). Nevertheless, although S-palmitoylation widely occurs in nature, similar to phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination, its importance in human health and disease has been overlooked over the years. In fact, there are currently no approved drugs known to target S-palmitoylation. Crohn’s disease (CD), a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract with or without systemic symptoms, leading to bowel damage and disability[4]. Currently, genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, such as a western lifestyle, and an altered gut microbiota are well-known risk factors for CD[5]. However, the detailed mechanism underlying this disorder has yet to be elucidated. With the rapidly increasing global prevalence of CD[6] and recent reports on the effect of S-palmitoylation on CD[7], evaluating the relationship between CD and S-palmitoylation is a meaningful effort to gain insights into pathogenesis and treatment of CD. In this review, we summarize the concept, measurement, and function of S-palmitoylation, as well as its potential effect on CD, with the aim of providing insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of CD.

OVERVIEW OF PROTEIN CYSTEINE PALMITOYLATION

Enzymes controlling S-palmitoylation

The addition of S-palmitoylation is catalyzed by palmitoyltransferases. Known palmitoyltransferases belong to the zinc finger aspartate-histidine-histidine-cysteine (ZDHHC) family[2]. There are 23 ZDHHC proteins in humans and mice, using palmitoyl-CoA as the major palmitoyl donor to acylate substrate proteins[8]. It should be noted that even though proteins prefer palmitoyl-CoA, they are also able to utilize other similar acyl-CoA molecules as substrates; therefore, some researchers prefer to use S-acylation over S-palmitoylation as a more general term to reflect the use of several different long-chain fatty acyl groups. Here, the term S-palmitoylation is used to represent all similar long-chain acylations on cysteine catalyzed by ZDHHCs. In most cases, these acylations are likely to have similar functions; thus, there is no need to specifically differentiate them for the purpose of this review.

ZDHHC proteins are integral membrane proteins with at least four transmembrane helices (Figure 1A). The conserved DHHC cysteine-rich domain is present in the intracellular loop between transmembrane domains 2 and 3[1]. The cysteine residue in the conserved DHHC motif is known to serve as a catalytic nucleophile that reacts with the thioester bond in palmitoyl-CoA, forming a palmitoyl-enzyme intermediate, which then relays the palmitoyl group to the cysteine residues in the substrate proteins[1,2,8]. The crystal structure of DHHC20 has been reported[9], providing a structural basis for understanding this class of enzymes. Although S-palmitoylation is not a very stable modification due to the chemically labile nature of the thioester bond, the removal of S-palmitoylation is known to be catalyzed by several depalmitoylases (Figure 1B), including acyl protein thioesterase (APT1 and APT2), α/β-hydrolase domain 17 (ABHD17A/B/C/D), and α/β-hydrolase domain 10 (ABHD10)[1,10]. These enzymes belong to the alpha-beta hydrolase family, with a catalytic serine residue in the active site.

Figure 1.

Protein S-palmitoylation. A: The ZDHHC-type palmitoyltransferases are integral membrane proteins with at least four transmembrane helices. The cysteine rich domain containing the DHHC motif is between the second and third transmembrane helices; B: Scheme showing the palmitoylation and depalmitoylation process. ZDHHC are self-palmitoylated first before transferring the palmitoyl group to substrate proteins. Depalmitoylation is catalyzed by the alpha/beta hydrolases.

Functions of S-palmitoylation

The most common function of S-palmitoylation is to promote the membrane localization of proteins. This can be easily appreciated from a recent review that listed many S-palmitoylated proteins and the function of S-palmitoylation[1]. This function is consistent with the hydrophobic nature of the palmitoyl group, which is especially true for peripheral membrane proteins (proteins without integral transmembrane domains). One well-known example is the small GTPases of the Ras subfamily, H-Ras, N-Ras, and K-Ras4a[1,11]. These proteins are soluble cytosolic proteins, but function at the plasma membrane or intracellular membranes. Their targeting to the plasma membrane requires prenylation and palmitoylation at the C-terminal sequence. Interestingly, it has been shown that the palmitoylation-depalmitoylation cycle helps to actively promote the trafficking of Ras to the plasma membrane. Several non-receptor tyrosine kinases, such as Fyn and Lyn, also require palmitoylation to target the plasma membrane.

Many integral membrane proteins are also palmitoylated. Integral membrane proteins contain transmembrane domains; thus, in principle, they should not require palmitoylation for membrane targeting. Instead, many reports indicate that palmitoylation promotes the targeting of these proteins to lipid rafts, which are specific membrane microdomains. This phenomenon requires further exploration in future studies. Other functional effects of S-palmitoylation have also been reported, including the regulation of protein stability and the aggregation of proteins[1,8]. However, the exact mechanism of these effects is unclear and may be indirectly caused by the membrane-targeting effect of S-palmitoylation.

Methods for detecting S-palmitoylation

Many convenient tools have been developed for the study of S-palmitoylation, making it relatively easy to study compared to other post-translational modifications. The chemically labile nature of S-palmitoylation has enabled the development of several methods for its detection, including acyl-biotin exchange (ABE)[12,13], acyl-resin-assisted capture (Acyl-Rac)[14], and acyl-PEG exchange (APE)[1,15] (Figure 2A). A common procedure for these methods is to first cap free cysteine residues using a cysteine alkylation reagent, such as iodoacetamide or N-ethyl maleimide. Next, hydroxylamine is used to break down palmitoyl cysteine and release it as a free cysteine. The newly released free cysteine is then captured using a thiol-reactive group (HPDP-biotin in ABE, thiol-reactive resin in acyl-RAC, and thiol-reactive PEG in APE). In ABE, the biotinylation of palmitoylated proteins allows for affinity pulldown using streptavidin beads, and the palmitoylated proteins can then be detected after protein electrophoresis and western blotting, or analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS) in proteomic studies. In acyl-RAC, the palmitoylated proteins are pulled down using a resin and then analyzed using MS in proteomic studies. In a typical procedure for MS detection, the modified peptide is usually not detected by mass spectrometers because it is modified with a large biotin molecule or retained on the resin. However, certain modifications to this procedure can facilitate the detection of palmitoylated peptide. In APE, a large PEG molecule is attached to the palmitoylated protein of interest, which can change the protein size, which in turn can determine the number of palmitoyl cysteine modifications on the protein.

Figure 2.

Commonly used methods for detecting S-palmitoylation. A: Scheme showing how acyl-biotin exchange (ABE), acyl-resin assisted capture (acyl-RAC), and acyl-PEG exchange (APE) work; B: Scheme showing how metabolic labeling with alkyne-tagged fatty acid analogs works. ABE: Acyl-biotin exchange; acyl-RAC: Acyl-resin assisted capture; APE: Acyl-PEG exchange.

The ABE and acyl-RAC methods have the advantage of being able to detect S-palmitoylation in animal tissues as they reflect the endogenous palmitoylation level of endogenous proteins. A disadvantage of these methods is that there is no information on the identity of the acyl group on the cysteine residues as the hydroxylamine treatment removes all acyl modifications on cysteine residues. Theoretically, a short-chain acyl group modification could mistakenly be identified as palmitoylation; however, we are not aware of any such report for any protein. Another potential disadvantage is that a certain protein’s S-palmitoylation may be hydroxylamine-resistant and, therefore, may affect the outcome in acyl exchange assays[16].

A complementary method that could address the limitations of these acyl-exchange methods is metabolic labeling with labeled fatty acid analogs (Figure 2B). Although ¹⁴C-labeled palmitic acid was commonly used in early studies, a more convenient and sensitive method that has become commonly used in recent decades is that of clickable fatty acid analogs. This method typically uses an alkyne-tagged fatty acid, such as Alk14, which has 16 carbons similar to palmitic acid, but ends with a C-C triple bond at the end[17,18]. The structure of Alk14 is very similar to that of palmitic acid and can be efficiently utilized by cellular machinery to convert to the corresponding acyl-CoA and acylate proteins. The Alk14-modified protein can then be conjugated to an azide-containing fluorescent or biotin tag using a highly efficient copper-catalyzed cyclo-addition reaction. The conjugation of a fluorescent dye allows for the in-gel fluorescent detection of the Alk14 modification, while the conjugation of biotin allows for affinity purification and MS identification in proteomic studies.

The Alk14 Labeling method is in many ways comparable to ABE, as both allow for the gel-based detection of the S-palmitoylation of proteins of interest and proteomic studies. Alk14 Labeling does not require S-palmitoylation to be sensitive to hydroxylamine and can readily label proteins with dynamic palmitoylation. In contrast to ABE, Alk14 Labeling reflects the ability of a protein to be palmitoylated, but it is technically not the endogenous palmitoylation and is rarely used in animal studies. Generally, Alk14 Labeling and ABE are highly complementary to each other, with Alk14 demonstrating the palmitoylation of target proteins and ABE able to determine endogenous modifications on endogenous proteins. These two methods are often used simultaneously to confirm the S-palmitoylation of a protein of interest.

In comparison to other modifications, such as lysine acetylation, these detection methods make S-palmitoylation relatively straightforward to study. For lysine acetylation, a pan-acetyl-lysine antibody is typically used for affinity pull-down modified proteins, which are then subjected to MS analysis[19]. For a given protein of interest, it can be pulled down using immunoprecipitation, and then acetyl-lysine modification can be detected using western blotting with pan-acetyl-lysine antibodies. These studies rely heavily on the pan-acetyl-lysine antibody, which is expensive and may not work for all acetyl-lysine peptides. For S-palmitoylation, there is no antibody currently available, but acyl exchange methods and metabolic labeling methods have been found to work extremely well.

Methods for studying the functional effects of S-palmitoylation

To investigate the function of palmitoylation on a particular protein, the most common method involves the identification of the site of palmitoylation, followed by the evaluation of the effect of cysteine to serine or alanine mutations on protein function. Typically, the occurrence of cysteine residues in proteins is less frequent compared to other modified residues, such as lysine, making the task of mutating all cysteine residues in a protein of interest much more practical than mutating all lysine residues. If a cysteine residue of a protein is the major palmitoylation site, then mutating it to Ser/Ala would markedly decrease the S-palmitoylation of the protein (detected by ABE or Alk14 Labeling). Subsequently, the same mutant can be used to observe whether the mutation affects protein localization, stability, and interaction with other proteins, as well as other biochemical activities.

The mutagenesis method, although powerful, has limitations. The mutated cysteine residue may have other functions (structural function or other modifications), which in turn can affect the palmitoylation of the protein; therefore, complementary methods to further confirm its function should be used. These complementary methods include identifying the ZDHHC enzyme that is responsible for the S-palmitoylation of the protein and determining whether the knockdown or knockout of ZDHHC produces the same effect as mutating the modified Cys residues. Similarly, identifying and disrupting the depalmitoylase also produces results consistent with the mutation of palmitoylated Cys. Recently, a method using amber suppression technology and click chemistry to insert a palmitoyl cysteine mimic on proteins in live HEK293T cells has been reported[20]. This method may allow for the gain-of-function analysis of S-palmitoylation. However, how closely the palmitoyl cysteine mimic can replicate the functional effect of S-palmitoylation remains unclear and will need to be tested in more proteins in future studies.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR PATHWAYS OF CROHN’S DISEASE

A brief review of the pathophysiology of Crohn’s disease

It is widely acknowledged that the pathophysiology of CD involves multiple factors, including genetic, environmental, microbial, immunologic, epithelial, and gut mucosal factors[21-23]. These factors are explored in detail in this section.

Genetic factors: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over 240 risk variants that affect the recognition of microbial products by intracellular pathways [such as nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)–like receptors 2 (NOD2)], autophagy pathways that promote intracellular organelle circulation and the clearance of intracellular microorganisms [such as autophagy-related protein 16 Like 1 (ATG16L1) and immunity-related GTPase M (IRGM)], genes that regulate epithelial barrier function [such as extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1)], and pathways that regulate innate and adaptive immunity [such as interleukin (IL)-23R and IL-10][21,22]. Interestingly, known associations between CD and NOD2 gene variants are mainly found in patients of European or Jewish origin, but not in patients of Japanese or Chinese origin[22,24,25]. Another GWAS study supports this, additionally revealing that the tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 15 (TNFSF15) variant is dominant in East Asian populations[26]. These results conclusively indicate that different genetic factors contribute to CD through different inflammatory pathways.

Environmental factors: A series of environmental factors have been reported to affect the incidence of CD, including breastfeeding, living on farms, childhood contact with animals, smoking, antibiotic exposure, and dietary pattern[4,27-29]. Although inconsistent, breastfeeding, living on farms, and childhood contact with animals are believed to represent protective factors for CD[4]. Smoking is one of the most consistently reported risk factors for CD and is associated with a two-fold increase in the risk of developing CD (OR = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.40–2.22)[4,27,28]. A meta-analysis revealed that exposure to antibiotics also markedly increased the risk of CD, especially in children (OR = 2.75, 95%CI: 1.724.38)[29]. Low dietary fiber and an increased intake of saturated fats are also associated with an increased risk of developing CD[4].

Microbial factors: Although the gut host-microbial relationship is symbiotic, close contact between a rich bacterial community and intestinal tissue poses a great risk to health. In humans, in excess of 10¹²/cm³ of bacteria over a span of approximately 200 m² are separated from the intestinal tissues by a mere 10-μm epithelial layer[30]. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain homeostasis between the microbiota and mucosal immunity in the gut. Mucus, defensins, IgA, and RegIIIγ are products of the epithelial and immune cells that control the gut microbiota. Certain microbes are beneficial to the growth of various T cell subsets, promoting the induction of type 17 T helper (Th17), regulatory T (Treg), and type 1 T helper (Th1) cells, and regulate mucosal immunity[22,30]. In addition, gut microbes can produce essential components, such as vitamin K, an important coagulation cofactor, and short-chain fatty acids, which are energy sources for colon epithelial cells[21,31]. Numerous studies have shown that changes in the microbial community result in a dysregulation of homeostasis[31,32]. In these studies, CD was associated with a decrease in the total number, diversity, and richness of microbial species.

Immune factors: CD arises as a result of chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and is associated with tissue destruction via the aberrant expression of pro-and anti-inflammatory molecules in response to innate and adaptive immune systems[33,34]. Amongst the numerous immune cells involved, Th17 cells regulated by IL-23 play an important role in immune regulation in the progression of CD[34-36]. IL-23 not only acts on members of the innate immune system but also promotes the proliferation and maintenance of Th17 cells. It is generally acknowledged that Th17 cells promote tissue inflammation, while Treg cells suppress autoimmunity, which suggests that the balance of Th17/Treg cells is crucial in the pathogenesis of CD[37,38]. With the development of GWAS, evidence is increasingly supporting the role of the innate immune response in the pathological process of CD, which includes epithelial barrier integrity, innate microbial sensing, autophagy, and unfolded protein response[34]. Other factors, such as injuries of epithelial and mesenchymal cells, changes in intestinal permeability, and obesity, also contribute to the pathophysiology of CD.

Important pathways in the pathogenesis of CD

In recent decades, complex molecular pathways have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of CD. The identification of the main pathways and key factors may provide novel therapeutic targets. Current clinical therapies for IBD include anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibodies (such as infliximab, adalimumab, and certolizumab pegol), anti-IL-12/23 antibodies (such as ustekinumab), anti-sense oligonucleotides inhibiting SMAD7 transcription (such as mongersen), Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (such as tofacitinib and filgotinib), and anti-adhesion molecules (such as vedolizumab, etrolizumab, and anti-MAdCAM1 antibody)[4,39,40]. The main pathways and key factors are discussed in detail in this section (Table 1).

Table 1.

Primary signaling pathways and relative drug applications of Crohn’s disease

Signaling pathway	Relative function	Targeted factor	Drug application
NF-κB	Maintenance of epithelial integrity and intestinal immune homeostasis	TNF-α	infliximab, adalimumab, and certolizumab
		IL-12/23	ustekinumab
		IκBa	corticosteroids
TGF-β/SMAD3	Immunosuppression and fibrosis	SMAD7	mongerson
JAK/STAT	Immunoregulation, anti-inflammation and epithelial barrier function	JAK	tofacitinib and filgotinib
Chemokines/integrins	Leukocytes trafficking to targeted location	α4β7 integrin	vedolizumab
		α4β7 and αEβ7 integrins	etrolizumab
		MAdCAM1	PF-00547659
Wnt	Regulation of epithelial proliferation and gut mucosal homeostasis	NA	NA

NF-κB: Nuclear factor kappa B; TGF-β: Transforming growth factor-β; JAK: Janus kinase; STAT: Signal transducer and activator of transcription; Wnt: Wingless/Int1; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-α; IL: Interleukin; NA: Not available.

Nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway: The targeting of TNF-α is a first-line treatment for CD, as well as for several other autoimmune diseases[40]. TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory mediator that plays a crucial role in the immune response to CD. It can induce T cell activation, inflammatory cell recruitment to local inflammatory sites, edema, coagulation, and granuloma formation[41]. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling is considered the key pathway in lieu of TNF-α. Previous studies have shown that CD patients with high NF-κB activation have specific clinical manifestations, such as a higher frequency of ileocolonic involvement and higher histologic scores, compared to patients with low NF-κB activation[42]. The NF-κB signaling pathway also regulates the expression of IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-23[43-45] which are involved in mucosal damage within the inflammatory parts of the intestine. Furthermore, the differentiation of Th1 influenced by IL-12, IL-23, and TNF-α is actively involved in CD[45-47]. Corticosteroids, another first-line drug for the treatment of CD, have immunosuppressive effects and can induce the increased expression of IκBα, a key factor in the NF-κB pathway. These findings indicate that the NF-κB pathway plays a central role in the pathogenesis of CD.

Transforming growth factor-β/SMAD signaling pathway: Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is an immunosuppressive cytokine produced by a variety of cells and activated by integrins. The role of TGF-β in intestinal immunity has been intensively investigated in previous studies[48]. Tregs have been suggested to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10 and TGF-β. IL-10 promotes Treg cell proliferation by activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3, while TGF-β inhibits the proinflammatory responses of macrophages and effector T cells by activating SMAD3 and SMAD4[22]. Therefore, the upregulation of the Treg cell population and the reduction of effector T cells in CD indicate that the TGF-β/SMAD pathway plays a crucial role. In addition, SMAD7 is a downstream target of the TGF-β pathway, inhibiting the TGF-β pathway through negative feedback. In CD, the expression of SMAD7 is increased, leading to a reduction in SMAD3 phosphorylation and the suppression of TGF-β signaling, which may contribute to CD pathogenesis[48].

JAK/STAT signaling pathway: Although clinical trials using tofacitinib for the treatment of CD were canceled due to poor results, the efficacy of filgotinib, a selective JAK1 inhibitor, was confirmed in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial[49,50]. JAK tyrosine kinases and STAT DNA-binding proteins mediate signal transduction and downstream biological effects in response to cytokine receptor binding, some of which are associated with CD pathology. The cytokines mentioned above, which play essential roles in immunoregulation and the maintenance of epithelial barrier function (such as IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-23) are all dependent on JAK/STAT signaling[51]. STAT3 has also been reported to be crucial for the differentiation of Th17 cells and Th17 cell-dependent colitis, such as CD[37,52]. Interestingly, there is crosstalk between TNF and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway: TNF can amplify JAK-dependent receptor signal transduction by upregulating the expression of STAT[53]. Therefore, the role of JAK/STAT in the pathology of CD should be emphasized.

Wingless/Int1 signaling pathway: The Wingless/Int1 (Wnt) pathway is a key regulator of epithelial proliferation and gut mucosal homeostasis[54,55]. Wnt signaling is crucial for maintaining the stability of epithelial homeostasis, where the inhibition of this pathway leads to crypt loss and tissue degradation[56]. This pathway stimulates the differentiation and maturation of Paneth cells and regulates the expression of the α-defensins HD5 and HD6, in addition to mediating the stabilization of β-catenin[57]. Recently, Courth et al[58] found that the relationship between Paneth cells and bone marrow-derived monocytes participates in the mechanism of CD, which is characterized by the reduction of Wnt ligand expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to attenuate intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Wnt signaling is involved in various inflammatory signaling pathways, including NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase B (PKB/AKT), and STAT signaling. This complex network of signaling pathways may explain the contribution of Wnt to inflammatory injury repair[54].

Chemokines and integrins: In CD, chemokines induce the recruitment of immune cells to inflamed and epithelial-damaged sites. A highly effective and sequential adhesion system is involved in this process, in which integrins are activated by chemokines and interact with the addressins on the endothelium. For example, the antibody blockade of CCL25/CCR9 has been found to reduce early chronic ileitis in mice[59]. In addition, the ligation of CCR9 by CCL25 can result in a conformational change in α4β7 integrin, subsequently leading to the stable adhesion of MAdCAM-1[60]. Collectively, these results indicate that anti-adhesion molecules can be used clinically for CD therapy.

PALMITOYLATION OF MOLECULAR PATHWAYS IN CD

Many of the molecular pathways associated with CD have been reported to be modulated by S-palmitoylation. For example, a high frequency of mutations in NOD1/2 are found in IBD patients, and ZDHHC5-mediated NOD1/2 palmitoylation is responsible for normal gut functions. However, most reported CD-associated pathways in which palmitoylation occurs don’t specifically connect CD to palmitoylated factors such as Myd88. Myd88 is a component of TLR signaling that has been reported to be palmitoylated by ZDHHC6, but its palmitoylation hasn’t been associated with a gut phenotype. In CD, Myd88 participates in the recognition of extracellular and/or vacuolar intracellular pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which mediate sensing of microbial antigens[34]. The effects of palmitoylation on function of CD-associated factors need further exploration. Whether the effects of palmitoylation on CD symptoms are positive or negative might depend on a varied array of factors. Present opinion suggests that the functional effects of palmitoylation predominantly act to retain normal gut structures and functions. However, it is too early to conclude that all instances of palmitoylation exert positive effects. For instance, palmitoylation-mediated NF-kB activation probably results in negative consequences for CD patients. In this section, we summarize the S-palmitoylation events that have been reported to be associated with signaling pathways implicated in CD.

Palmitoylation in STING signaling

In the presence of damaged DNA, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is activated and catalyzes the synthesis of cyclic GMP–AMP (cGAMP), which binds and activates its receptor stimulator of interferon genes (STING). STING is a membrane protein typically associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Upon activation, it translocates to the Golgi apparatus, where it is palmitoylated on Cys88 and Cys91, most likely by ZDHHC3, ZDHHC7, or ZDHHC15. Cysteine palmitoylation is important for its ability to activate TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), which in turn phosphorylates interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), which subsequently activates the transcription of immune response genes. STING palmitoylation has been proposed to promote the localization of STING to lipid rafts in the Golgi apparatus, which recruits both TBK1 and IRF3 to allow for downstream signal propagation[61]. Small molecules that can covalently label the palmitoylated Cys residues of STING have been identified and shown to suppress inflammation[62]. Interestingly, 9- or 10-nitro-oleic acid, which can be produced endogenously under inflammation, can also covalently modify the Cys residue of STING and inhibit its palmitoylation. This is likely to be a negative feedback regulation that inhibits STING signaling[62].

Palmitoylation of NOD1/2

NOD1/2 are receptors for pathogen-associated molecular patterns, sensing bacterial peptidoglycans and initiating immune signaling, mainly by activating NF-κB. They are cytosolic proteins associated with bacteria-containing phagosomes upon bacterial infection. The cysteine palmitoylation of NOD1/2 is important for the phagosome translocation of NOD1/2. Palmitoylation occurs on multiple cysteine residues and is catalyzed by ZDHHC5[63]. NOD1/2 mutations are also associated with IBD. Interestingly, several of these mutations decrease the palmitoylation of NOD1/2 and inhibit NF-κB activation[63]. Therefore, methods to modulate the palmitoylation and signaling NOD1/2 hold potential for use in the treatment of CD.

Palmitoylation in TNF/TNFR signaling

Intriguingly, both the ligand TNF-α and its receptor TNFR1 are known to be regulated by cysteine palmitoylation. TNF-α is palmitoylated on Cys47, however, the enzymes regulating palmitoylation have not been reported[64]. Palmitoylation promotes the targeting of membrane TNF-α (before cleavage and secretion) to lipid rafts. TNF-α palmitoylation does not affect the secretion of soluble TNF-α, but affects the stability of the N-terminal intracellular domain[65]. A recent report showed that TNFR1 is palmitoylated and that palmitoylation is regulated by APT2 and TNF-α[66]. However, the site of modification, the exact ZDHHC responsible for palmitoylation, and the effect of palmitoylation on TNF signaling requires further exploration. Given the importance of anti-TNF therapy in CD, the palmitoylation of TNF and TNFR1 deserves further investigation in future studies.

Palmitoylation in TLR signaling

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and transmembrane proteins initiate immune signaling by sensing PAMPs. A proteomic study identified several TLRs as palmitoylated proteins. TLR2 palmitoylation was found to occur on a membrane-proximal cysteine residue, Cys609. Palmitoylation is important for TLR2 and NF-κB activation[67]. TLR signaling requires an adaptor protein, Myd88, which is palmitoylated on Cys113 and Cys274 by ZDHHC6. The palmitoylation of Cys113 is important for the recruitment of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) and NF-κB activation. The palmitoylation of Myd88 is also affected by the fatty acid synthase (FASN). Small molecule inhibitors of FASN reduce Myd88 palmitoylation and NF-κB activation[68]. Though no report indicates that Myd88 palmitoylation influences CD, it may exert effects related to sensing of microbial antigens, which is mediated by Myd88. However, as NF-kB activation displayed a high correlation to clinical CD manifestations, impaired palmitoylation resulting in NF-kB inhibition could be beneficial for CD patients.

Palmitoylation in JAK-STAT3 signaling

STAT3-mediated Th17 differentiation is important for IBD. STAT3 is a transcription factor that, when phosphorylated by JAK in response to cytokines, such as IL-6, activates the transcription of genes that promote Th17 cell differentiation. Recently, STAT3 was reported to be regulated by S-palmitoylation of Cys108[7]. Palmitoylation is regulated by ZDHHC7 and depalmitoylated by APT2. Interestingly, the palmitoylation-depalmitoylation cycle has been found to be important for the activation of STAT3. Palmitoylation promotes STAT3 membrane localization and phosphorylation by JAK2. However, to translocate to the nucleus, phosphorylated STAT3 needs to be depalmitoylated. Therefore, APT2 is required for STAT3 activation. Interestingly, APT2 seems to prefer phosphorylated STAT3 over unphosphorylated STAT3, which ensures that the palmitoylation-depalmitoylation cycle moves in one direction, that which promotes STAT3 activation. Accordingly, the deletion or inhibition of either ZDHHC7 or APT2 decreases STAT3 activation, Th17 differentiation, and colitis in a mouse model. Furthermore, APT2 and ZDHHC7 are upregulated in human IBD patients, and the levels of IL-17 are closely correlated with the levels of APT2. This study provides strong evidence that the palmitoylation of STAT3 is a promising target for the treatment of IBD.

STAT3 activation occurs downstream of IL-6 receptor activation. Interestingly, one subunit of the IL-6 receptor, IL6ST (also called Gp130), is also regulated by palmitoylation. In neurons, ZDHHC5 and ZDHHC8 can palmitoylate IL6ST and promote JAK-STAT3 signaling[69]. Thus, it is possible that other proteins in the IL-6 signaling pathway, in addition to IL6ST and STAT3, could be regulated by cysteine palmitoylation. Future studies in this direction could identify additional targets, which would prove useful for advances in the treatment of IBD. Currently, there are no reports regarding the palmitoylation of the SMAD signaling pathway. However, SMAD2 has been reported to work with STAT3 to affect Th17 differentiation[70]. Therefore, SMAD signaling may be indirectly affected by STAT3 palmitoylation.

Palmitoylation in chemokine signaling

Inflammation involves the migration of various immune cells to the site of infection or inflammation. Thus, the inhibition of immune cell migration is an effective strategy to inhibit inflammation and autoimmune responses. Immune cell migration is typically mediated by chemotactic chemokine signaling. Multiple components of the chemokine signaling pathway can be regulated by cysteine palmitoylation. Chemotactic signaling is initiated by the binding of chemotactic ligands to the cell surface G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor 1 (S1PR1), which binds to S1P, is important for the migration of mature T cells from the thymus into the blood stream and peripheral lymphoid organs. S1PR1 is palmitoylated by ZDHHC5 on multiple Cys residues at the C-terminus, and palmitoylation is important for its downstream signaling, which is mediated by trimeric G proteins[71,72]. Similarly, another chemotactic receptor, CCR5, is also regulated by cysteine palmitoylation[73]. Despite this, there are currently no reports on the palmitoylation of CCR9, which has been implicated in CD.

Chemotactic GPCR signaling requires coupling with the downstream trimeric G proteins. Interestingly, many trimeric G proteins are known to be regulated by palmitoylation[74,75]. Similarly, RGS proteins, which are regulators of G protein signaling, are also reported to be regulated by palmitoylation[75-77]. However, most of these examples have been reported in neuronal systems, and their role in the regulation of the immune system has yet to be studied extensively. The Rac1 small GTPase is important for cytoskeletal reorganization, which is required for immune cell adhesion and migration. Rac1 is palmitoylated on Cys176, which promotes its targeting to lipid rafts and inhibits its oligomerization, and is required for its signaling function. Palmitoylation-deficient Rac1 mutant cells are defective in cell spreading and migration[78]. However, the enzymes responsible for regulating Rac1 palmitoylation have yet to be identified. Targeting Rac1 palmitoyltransferases may potentially inhibit immune cell migration, thus representing a potential strategy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

POTENTIAL OF PALMITOYLATION SITES AS DRUG TARGETS IN CD

Accumulating evidence has recently provided novel insights into the role of palmitoylation in the pathological mechanism of CD, highlighting potential drug targets for the control of palmitoylation. Since STING signaling is associated with palmitoylation, it is reasonable to assume that STING-associated autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Aicardi–Goutières syndrome (AGS), are related to the process of palmitoylation[79]. However, the contribution of STING to CD requires further study. If this relationship is confirmed, a novel promising drug target for the treatment of CD could be identified based on STING-related factors. Other factors related to CD have also been found to undergo palmitoylation during normal functional processes. These findings support the potential of palmitoylation as drug targets in CD, and we hope this area will attract more intensive research in the future.

CONCLUSION

S-palmitoylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications in nature which has been overlooked for decades. With the rapidly increasing global prevalence of CD and recent reports on the effect of S-palmitoylation on CD, elucidating the relationship between CD and S-palmitoylation becomes an urgent task. The basic facts of S-palmitoylation and its potential effect on CD summarized by this review will provide novel insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of CD.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank Dr. Zhou XX from the Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine for her constructive suggestions for the section on Crohn’s disease. We also thank Dr. Zhang MM for his elegant work revealing the effect of the STAT3 palmitoylation circle on CD under the supervision of Dr. Lin H, which constitutes one of the major bases for this paper.