Protein S-Palmitoylation as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Dermatoses

December 2025 in “ Biomolecules ”

Y. Feng, Jianxin Wu, Hui Tang, ShunYing LIU, Honglin Jia, Yi Liang, Z. Y. Li, Lian Li, Lingfei Li, Xia Lei

protein S-palmitoylation zDHHC proteins alopecia psoriasis inflammation barrier function hair growth melanin synthesis

Studysummary This study reviews the emerging role of protein S-palmitoylation in dermatology, highlighting its impact on skin functions like inflammation and barrier maintenance, and evaluating its potential as a therapeutic target for skin disorders such as alopecia and psoriasis.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Protein S-palmitoylation, a reversible post-translational modification, is crucial in dermatology, influencing protein localization, stability, and interactions, and is implicated in conditions like alopecia and psoriasis. The review emphasizes the potential of targeting S-palmitoylation for therapeutic purposes, highlighting zDHHC enzymes' roles in skin health and disease. zDHHC13 is linked to hair growth and skin barrier integrity, while zDHHC5 affects inflammatory responses. The study suggests that targeting these enzymes could offer new treatments for skin disorders, although further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and develop specific inhibitors.

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research Role of S-Palmitoylation by ZDHHC13 in Mitochondrial Function and Metabolism in Liver

59 citations , May 2017 in “Scientific reports”

This study found that ZDHHC13 deficiency in mice is associated with abnormal liver function, lipid metabolism issues, and impaired mitochondrial function, highlighting ZDHHC13's regulatory role in liver metabolism.

research Increased Susceptibility to Skin Carcinogenesis Associated with a Spontaneous Mouse Mutation in the Palmitoyl Transferase Zdhhc13 Gene

22 citations , December 2015 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

This study found that mice with a mutation in the Zdhhc13 gene exhibited increased susceptibility to skin cancer, highlighting a potential protective role of palmitoyl acyltransferase in skin carcinogenesis.

research Cyclic Alopecia and Abnormal Epidermal Cornification in Zdhhc13-Deficient Mice Reveal the Importance of Palmitoylation in Hair and Skin Differentiation

16 citations , June 2015 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

This study found that DHHC13 is crucial for hair anchoring and skin barrier function, with its deficiency in Zdhhc13(skc4) mice leading to cyclic alopecia and skin abnormalities due to cornifelin deficiencies.

research Mice with Alopecia, Osteoporosis, and Systemic Amyloidosis Due to Mutation in Zdhhc13, a Gene Coding for Palmitoyl Acyltransferase

73 citations , June 2010 in “PLoS Genetics”

This study identified that a deficiency in the palmitoyl transferase enzyme, due to a mutation in the Zdhhc13 gene, led to severe physiological abnormalities in mice, including skin, bone, and systemic amyloid issues.