The invention generally concerns inhibition of a molecule that has a role in post-translational modification of a receptor for antiproliferative factor (APF) of bladder epithelial cells, thereby modulating the APF. In particular, inhibition of DHHC2 activity and/or ZDHHC2 expression results in modulation of APF receptor activity, and in specific aspects such modulation is therapeutic and/or preventative for a bladder condition, such as interstitial cystitis. In addition, inhibition of CKAP4 palmitoylation in certain cases also decreases its activity as a tPA receptor on smooth muscle cells or surfactant A on type II pneumocytes, and/or generally inhibits its function as a cell membrane receptor, cell chaperone molecule, and/or membrane trafficking agent.