open access
The biological role of prokaryotic and eukaryotic N-acetyltransferase
open access
Abstract
The N-acetyltransferases (NAT; E.C.2.3.1.5) are involved in the metabolism of drugs and environmental toxins. They catalyse the acetyl transfer from acetyl coenzyme A to an aromatic amine, heterocyclic amine, or hydrazine compound. NAT homologues are present in numerous species from bacteria to human. Sequence variations in the human NAT1 and NAT2 result in the production of NAT proteins with variable enzyme activity or stability, leading to slow or rapid acetylation. Therefore, genetic polymorphisms in NAT1 and NAT2 influence drug metabolism and drug-related toxicity. Epidemiological studies suggest that the NAT1 and NAT2 acetylation polymorphisms modify the risk of developing cancers of the urinary bladder, colorectal, breast, head and neck, and lung.
Abstract
The N-acetyltransferases (NAT; E.C.2.3.1.5) are involved in the metabolism of drugs and environmental toxins. They catalyse the acetyl transfer from acetyl coenzyme A to an aromatic amine, heterocyclic amine, or hydrazine compound. NAT homologues are present in numerous species from bacteria to human. Sequence variations in the human NAT1 and NAT2 result in the production of NAT proteins with variable enzyme activity or stability, leading to slow or rapid acetylation. Therefore, genetic polymorphisms in NAT1 and NAT2 influence drug metabolism and drug-related toxicity. Epidemiological studies suggest that the NAT1 and NAT2 acetylation polymorphisms modify the risk of developing cancers of the urinary bladder, colorectal, breast, head and neck, and lung.
Keywords
acetylation; drug metabolism; genetic polymorphism; neoplastic disease; isoniazid; N-acetyltransferase 1; N-acetyltransferase 2


Title
The biological role of prokaryotic and eukaryotic N-acetyltransferase
Journal
Advances in Respiratory Medicine
Issue
Article type
Review paper
Pages
137-144
Published online
2013-02-18
Bibliographic record
Pneumonol Alergol Pol 2013;81(2):137-144.
Keywords
acetylation
drug metabolism
genetic polymorphism
neoplastic disease
isoniazid
N-acetyltransferase 1
N-acetyltransferase 2
Authors
Anna Zabost
Zofia Zwolska
Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopeć