Illuminating the impact of N-terminal acetylation: from protein to physiology

N-terminal acetylation is a highly abundant protein modification in eukaryotic cells. This modification is catalysed by N-terminal acetyltransferases acting co- or post-translationally. Here, we review the eukaryotic N-terminal acetylation machinery: the enzymes involved and their substrate specificities. We also provide an overview of the impact of N-terminal acetylation, including its effects on protein folding, subcellular targeting, protein complex formation, and protein turnover. In particular, there may be competition between N-terminal acetyltransferases and other enzymes in defining protein fate. At the organismal level, N-terminal acetylation is highly influential, and its impairment was recently…

• EC
  European Commission

  Award: 772039
• NF
  Norges Forskningsråd

  Awards: 324195, 325142
• S
  Servier