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

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  • Nina McTiernan

    (University of Bergen)

  • Ine Kjosås

    (University of Bergen)

  • Thomas Arnesen

    (University of Bergen
    Haukeland University Hospital)

Abstract

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 linked to cardiac dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases.

Suggested Citation

  • Nina McTiernan & Ine Kjosås & Thomas Arnesen, 2025. "Illuminating the impact of N-terminal acetylation: from protein to physiology," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-55960-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55960-5
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