Lipoylation

Lipoylation is a post-translational modification process that involves attaching a lipoic acid molecule to a lysine residue on a protein. This adds two additional goals to the protein, which is often involved in energy production and other metabolic functions. Lipoylation can occur in both prokaryotic (bacterial) and eukaryotic cells (human cells). Its significance lies in its roles in cellular energy metabolism and defence against oxidative stress. Lipoylation is involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the form of energy used by cells to carry out metabolic processes, and in the regulation of antioxidant enzymes which protect cells from the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Lipoylation is also important for the regulation of mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism. As such, impairments of lipoylation can result in a range of metabolic dysfunctions, including diabetes and obesity.