Welcome to the AcylERATE website. This website is currently under development.
AcylERATE is a 5-year cross-institutional project funded by the BBSRC sLoLa programme to investigate dynamic S-acylation using a multi-disciplinary approach, with the objective of delivering new insight into the physiological role of this post-translational modification in cell functions. The project will develop and implement tools and technologies to build a holistic understanding of the mechanisms and outcomes of dynamic S-acylation.
The project brings together experts in S-acylation and key enabling technologies and the work will accelerate progress in this field of research.
Latest News
- Maurine E Linder Seminar: Fatty acyl tales
The sLoLa team and their wider collaborators welcomed Professor Maurine Linder (Cornell University) for an online seminar on Tuesday 31 March 2026.
Maurine is one of the pioneers of the S-acylation field and the chair of our Strategic Advisory Board. Maurine delivered a fascinating historical perspective on S-acylation, highlighting how early biochemical discoveries have shaped the field as it stands today.
With many members of the sLoLa team new to the area, the discussion of early challenges and breakthroughs in identifying S-acylation and deacylation enzymes provided an excellent introduction to the landmark studies that defined the field.
- PhD Success
Congratulations to Rocio White who has recently been awarded her PhD.
Rocio completed her doctoral studies at the University of British Columbia, investigating the role of the S-acylating enzyme, ZDHHC9, in oligodendrocyte maturation, function, and neuronal development.
She will begin working on the AcylERATE project as a PDRA in the Tate Group in April 2026.
- Knowledge Transfer Event
Prof Jennifer Greaves was invited to give a talk to the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence at the University of Aston on the experience of sLoLa from idea to funded project.
The event started with Dr Jen Whale, Aston University’s Strategic funding Manager, introducing the scheme followed by Prof Greaves’ talk on her experience of the sLoLa from idea to funded project. This was followed by a Q&A session, networking and a tour of the new AIME labs which are due to open in Spring 2026.