Amino-acid n-acetyltransferase

Amino-Acid N-Acetyltransferase is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of acetyl groups from one molecule to another. The process of acetylation is critical in the regulation of protein function and cellular processes.

Function

Amino-acid N-acetyltransferase is involved in the process of protein synthesis. It plays a crucial role in the modification of proteins after they have been synthesized, a process known as post-translational modification. This modification can alter the function, location, and behavior of the protein within the cell.

The enzyme catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to the alpha-amino group of a protein's N-terminal amino acid. This process is known as N-terminal acetylation. The acetylation of proteins can influence their structure and function, affecting cellular processes such as gene expression, protein-protein interactions, and protein stability.

Structure

The structure of amino-acid N-acetyltransferase is complex and varies depending on the specific type of enzyme. However, all N-acetyltransferases share a common feature: they have a catalytic core that is responsible for the transfer of the acetyl group.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the function of amino-acid N-acetyltransferase can lead to various diseases. For example, mutations in the genes encoding these enzymes have been associated with certain types of cancer, neurological disorders, and developmental abnormalities.

See Also

• Acetylation
• Protein synthesis
• Post-translational modification