Potential Protein Post-translational Modification in Adiponectin

Post-translational modifications of proteins control many biological processes. This is also an important process in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. Adiponectin is an insulin-sensitizing adipokine with antidiabetic, anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. The role of posttranslational modifications in regulating the biosynthesis of high molecular weight adiponectin has presently come into the very focus of interest. In this study, the potential protein post-translational modifications in adiponectin were determined by a standard bioinformatics technique. Two vulnerable sites within the adiponectin molecule for posttranslational modification were successfully identified and are reported herewith. This new knowledge can be useful for better understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetes relative to adiponectin and for developing new antidiabetic drugs. INTRODUCTION