DHHC5 regulates lacteal function and intestinal lipid absorption by maintaining VEGFR2 localization in lipid rafts

Abstract

The intestinal lymphatic system is essential for lipid absorption, yet its regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we identify DHHC5, an Asp-His-His-Cys (DHHC) motif-containing palmitoyl acyltransferase, as a critical regulator of intestinal lymphatic integrity and lipid uptake. Whole-body inducible Dhhc5 knockout (Dhhc5-IKO) mice were resistant to diet-induced obesity and exhibited impaired intestinal lipid absorption due to lymphatic dysfunction. Similar defects were observed upon specific knockout of DHHC5 in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), underscoring its cell-autonomous role. Mechanistically, DHHC5 facilitates vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling by promoting its lipid raft localization in LECs. We further identified CRYBG1, an actin-binding protein, as the substrate of DHHC5. CRYBG1 interacts with VEGFR2, and its palmitoylation is required for the lipid raft localization of VEGFR2. These findings reveal a DHHC5-CRYBG1-VEGFR2 axis that governs intestinal lymphatic function and lipid absorption, providing new insights into the regulation of dietary lipid metabolism.

Keywords

DHHC5 / intestinal lipid absorption / lacteals / palmitoylation / VEGFR2

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