New targeted approach protects neurons from degeneration

[Boscoejean]

U.S. researchers have identified a novel way to block a protein known as DLK, or dual leucine-zipper kinase, that may offer a promising strategy to protect neurons from degeneration — which, the team notes, could pave the way for safer and more precise treatments for neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

parkinsonsnewstoday.com/new...

[Boscoejean]

??? so this makes a person wonder if there is any connection

"Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous lipid with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and palmitoylation is a process where a palmitoyl group (a fatty acid) is attached to a molecule, which can affect the function of that molecule. "

"Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA):

What it is:

PEA is a naturally occurring lipid amide, meaning it's a molecule with a fatty acid attached to an ethanolamine group.

Where it comes from:

PEA is synthesized in the body from palmitic acid (a common fatty acid) and ethanolamine.

What it does:

PEA is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.

How it works:

PEA interacts with various receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α), to modulate inflammation and pain signaling pathways.

Potential applications:

Research suggests PEA may have therapeutic potential in treating pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Metabolism:

PEA is metabolized by enzymes like fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and N-acylethanolamine-hydrolysing acid amidase (NAAA), which break it down into palmitic acid and ethanolamine.

Palmitoylation:

What it is:

Palmitoylation is a type of post-translational modification where a palmitoyl group (a 16-carbon saturated fatty acid) is attached to a protein or other molecule, usually through a thioester bond.

How it affects molecules:

Palmitoylation can alter the function, localization, and interactions of the modified molecule.

Examples:

Palmitoylation can affect protein-protein interactions, membrane localization, and signaling pathways.

Enzymes:

Palmitoylation is catalyzed by protein palmitoyltransferases (PTs).

Relevance to PEA:

While not directly involved in the synthesis or action of PEA, palmitoylation can be relevant to the inflammatory process and the cells involved in PEA signaling.

In summary: PEA is a naturally occurring lipid with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, while palmitoylation is a process where a palmitoyl group is attached to a molecule, which can alter its function. While they are not directly related, they are both involved in cellular processes, including inflammation and pain signaling.