Lipid Modifications of Proteins and Biochemistry

This lecture covers the different covalent lipid modifications of proteins, such as myristoylation, palmitoylation, and prenylation, which play crucial roles in protein-membrane interactions. It also discusses the biochemistry of proteins associated with membranes, including peripheral membrane proteins and transmembrane proteins. The instructor explains the significance of lipid anchors in proteins like KRAS and the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the impact of lipid environments on protein function. Furthermore, the lecture delves into the biochemical methods used to purify and differentiate membrane proteins, emphasizing the use of detergents and the challenges of studying membrane proteins using cryo-electron microscopy.