Patatin‐domain‐containing (phospho)lipases under control: Mammalian co‐regulators and pathogenic activation mechanisms

TL;DR

This paper reviews the structure and function of patatin-like phospholipases, focusing on how they are activated through protein interactions and their roles in health and disease.

Contribution

The paper identifies conserved structural elements (D-segment and regulatory segment) that modulate enzyme activity through co-activation mechanisms.

Findings

Structural analysis reveals conserved segments that modulate active-site architecture in patatin-like phospholipases.

Protein–protein interactions and conformational changes are critical for enzyme activation and regulation.

PNPLA proteins show diverse biological roles and regulatory mechanisms across species.

Abstract

Patatin‐like phospholipase (PNPLA) domain‐containing proteins are essential enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, membrane remodeling, and signaling pathways across various organisms. This review focuses on the structural and functional characteristics of four selected PNPLA proteins from different organisms with experimental 3D structures or biochemical data on protein–protein interactions that facilitate their co‐activation mechanism, namely VipD, ExoU, PNPLA9, and PNPLA2 (also known as ATGL). VipD and ExoU, phospholipases from Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively, are multidomain proteins and utilize distinct mechanisms for host cell interaction and pathogenesis. VipD binds to Rab proteins, underscoring the critical role of Rab5 in upregulating its enzymatic activity and contributing to the pathogenicity. ExoU requires ubiquitin for activation and exhibits an inhibited structure when complexed with its chaperone SpcU. PNPLA9, a calcium‐independent phospholipase A2, is predominantly expressed in the human brain, with mutations linked to neurodegenerative disorders and inflammation. The crystal structure of the Chinese hamster ortholog of PNPLA9 reveals a dimerization mechanism required for its catalytic activity, along with specific regions identified for membrane interaction and substrate binding. PNPLA2 is known for its triacylglycerol hydrolytic activity and is regulated by protein–protein interactions, particularly with the co‐activator ABHD5, which is crucial for its activation. This review highlights the diversity and conserved architectural segments of PNPLA proteins, reflecting their varied biological roles and regulatory mechanisms. Understanding the diverse protein–protein interactions that activate these enzymes is crucial for elucidating their roles in physiological and pathological contexts.

Patatin domain‐containing (phospho)lipases are lipid‐hydrolyzing enzymes central to metabolism, membrane remodeling, and signaling. Their activity relies on precise co‐activation mechanisms involving protein–protein interactions and conformational rearrangements. Structural analysis reveals two key elements, named the D‐segment and the regulatory segment, that dynamically modulate active‐site architecture, control access to the substrate‐binding cavity, and enable formation of fully competent catalytic proteins.

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