Palmitoylation Analysis Service

Protein palmitoylation is a reversible lipid modification that regulates the localization, stability, and activity of numerous signaling and structural proteins. By attaching palmitic acid to cysteine residues through thioester bonds, this modification creates a dynamic layer of control over membrane association and protein trafficking. MtoZ Biolabs provides integrated Palmitoylation Analysis Services supported by click chemistry–based labeling, biotin-switch enrichment, and high-resolution LC–MS/MS. Our Palmitoylation Analysis Services enable both focused site-level characterization and system-wide mapping of palmitoylation events.

1. Target Protein Palmitoylation Analysis

This analysis focuses on specific proteins of interest, aiming to identify palmitoylation sites and assess modification dynamics under different biological conditions. Using optimized enrichment strategies such as acyl-biotin exchange or metabolic labeling followed by LC–MS/MS detection, MtoZ Biolabs can sensitively capture palmitoylated peptides and confirm modification sites with high confidence. This approach is particularly valuable for investigating signaling receptors, scaffolding proteins, or transport regulators whose membrane association is driven by palmitoylation.

2. Palmitoylation Proteomics

For broader investigations, MtoZ Biolabs offers palmitoylation proteomics, enabling large-scale profiling of palmitoylated proteins across complex biological systems. By integrating quantitative LC–MS/MS workflows with advanced click chemistry–based enrichment, we systematically map modification sites, compare palmitoylation patterns across experimental groups, and perform pathway and network analyses to uncover regulatory connections. This comprehensive approach provides a global perspective on palmitoylation-mediated signaling and its implications in physiological and disease contexts.

What Is Palmitoylation?

Protein palmitoylation is a type of S-acylation in which a 16-carbon saturated fatty acid, palmitate, is covalently attached to cysteine residues via thioester linkage. S-palmitoylation is reversible and dynamically regulated by the interplay of palmitoyltransferases (such as DHHC family proteins) and palmitoyl protein thioesterases. This dynamic nature allows palmitoylation to act as a molecular switch controlling protein trafficking, signaling, and turnover.

In addition to the predominant S-palmitoylation, less common forms include N-palmitoylation, where palmitate is attached to the amino groups on glycine, cysteine, or lysine, and O-palmitoylation, where it is linked to hydroxyl groups of serine or threonine residues. Unlike S-palmitoylation, both N-palmitoylation and O-palmitoylation are irreversible and occur less frequently, but they can still affect protein stability and localization in specific contexts.

Lin, X. et al. Cancers (Basel). 2023.

Figure 1. Schematic Representations of S-Palmitoylation, O-Palmitoylation, and N-Palmitoylation Reactions

Palmitoylation has been observed in diverse protein families, including G-protein coupled receptors, ion channels, synaptic proteins, and oncogenic signaling molecules. Because of its reversible and regulatory features, it plays critical roles in processes such as synaptic plasticity, immune responses, and cancer progression. Dysregulation of palmitoylation has been linked to neurological disorders, metabolic syndromes, and tumorigenesis.

Advances in chemical biology and proteomics, particularly acyl-biotin exchange assays, click chemistry-based enrichment, and LC-MS/MS analysis, have enabled global profiling of palmitoylated proteomes. These approaches have revealed thousands of palmitoylation sites across multiple species, highlighting the broad impact of this modification in cell biology and human disease.

Analysis Workflow

1. Sample Preparation

Sample preparation is optimized according to the downstream analytical strategy. Cells, tissues, or biological fluids are processed using conditions that preserve labile thioester bonds. Depending on whether protein-level enrichment or peptide-level identification is required, samples may be prepared under native conditions for intact protein analysis or subjected to controlled proteolysis for peptide-based workflows.

2. Enrichment of Palmitoylated Proteins or Peptides

Selective enrichment methods such as acyl-biotin exchange (ABE), acyl-resin assisted capture (Acyl-RAC), or metabolic labeling with alkyne-palmitate analogs are applied to enrich palmitoylated proteins or peptides with high specificity.

3. High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Enriched samples are analyzed on advanced LC-MS/MS platforms, enabling high-confidence identification of palmitoylation sites with excellent sensitivity and resolution.

4. Data Preprocessing

Raw MS data undergo systematic preprocessing, including noise reduction, peak detection, and spectrum alignment, ensuring reliability and accuracy for subsequent bioinformatics analysis.

5. Bioinformatics Analysis

Identified palmitoylated proteins are annotated for modification sites, structural features, functional categories, and biological pathways. Network analyses reveal palmitoylation-regulated protein interactions and their potential roles in cellular processes and disease.

6. Comprehensive Reporting

Clients receive a publication-ready report containing detailed methodology, enriched palmitoylation site lists, data visualization, and functional interpretation, along with raw and processed datasets for further use.

Sample Submission Suggestions

1. Sample Types

We accept various biological sample types, including but not limited to:

• Cultured cells (≥1×10⁷ cells per condition)

• Animal or human tissue (≥600 mg per condition)

• Plant tissue (≥6 g per condition)

• Biological fluids such as plasma or serum (≥450 µL per condition)

2. Storage and Transport

Samples should be snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at –80°C until shipment. Ship samples on dry ice. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.

*Note: If you have special sample types or require additional guidance, please contact us for personalized support before sample preparation.

Service Advantages

✅ Advanced Analytical Platforms

MtoZ Biolabs established an advanced protein post-translational modifications analysis platform, guaranteeing reliable, fast, and highly accurate palmitoylation analysis service.

✅ End-to-End Support

From experimental design to bioinformatics analysis, we provide a seamless workflow for efficient project completion.

✅ Customizable Solutions

Flexible service options tailored to different research objectives, from global proteome surveys to targeted validation studies.

✅ Expertise in Lipid Modification Research

A dedicated scientific team with extensive experience in post-translational modifications provides reliable interpretation and consultation.

✅ High Data Quality

Stringent quality control guarantees confidence in identification and quantification results.

Applications

1. Disease Mechanism Research

Palmitoylation regulates protein localization and signaling pathways that are central to the progression of neurological disorders, cancer, metabolic syndromes, and immune dysfunction. Investigating aberrant palmitoylation patterns provides mechanistic insights into disease onset and progression.

2. Biomarker Identification

Differential palmitoylation profiles can serve as reliable indicators of pathological states. Comprehensive analysis enables the discovery of palmitoylation-based biomarkers for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring.

3. Biopharmaceutical Development

Palmitoylation influences drug targets, receptor trafficking, and protein stability. Understanding these modifications supports the development of novel therapeutics, optimization of biologics, and identification of potential intervention strategies.

Deliverables

1. Comprehensive Experimental Details

2. Materials, Instruments, and Methods

3. The Detailed Information of Palmitoylation Analysis

4. Mass Spectrometry Image

5. Bioinformatics Analysis

6. Raw Data

Our Palmitoylation Analysis Service is designed to provide more rapid, high-throughput, and cost-effective analysis, with exceptional data quality and minimal sample consumption. Free project evaluation, welcome to learn more details.