Posttranslational modification

Gene

Acetylation

Electrical engineering

Engineering

Enzyme

Chemistry

Protein folding

Folding (DSP implementation)

Acetyl-CoA

Acetyltransferase

Terminal (telecommunication)

Acetyltransferases

Computer science

Biochemistry

Computational biology

Telecommunications

Biology

Cell biology

Experimental & Molecular Medicine

N-terminal acetylation (Nt-acetylation) is a widespread protein modification among eukaryotes and prokaryotes alike. By appending an acetyl group to the N-terminal amino group, the charge, hydrophobicity, and size of the N-terminus is altered in an irreversible manner. This alteration has implications for the lifespan, folding characteristics and binding properties of the acetylated protein. The enzymatic machinery responsible for Nt-acetylation has been largely described, but significant knowledge gaps remain. In this review, we provide an overview of eukaryotic N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs) and the impact of Nt-acetylation. We also discuss other functions of known NATs and outline methods for studying Nt-acetylation.

Spotlight on protein N-terminal acetylation