Alpha-tubulin acetyltransferase 1 (ATAT1)

Alpha-tubulin acetyltransferase 1 (ATAT1) is the primary enzyme responsible for the acetylation of alpha-tubulin at the Lysine 40 (K40) residue, a post-translational modification that typically marks stable, long-lived microtubules [1, 9]. Located within the microtubule lumen, ATAT1 regulates critical cellular processes including intracellular trafficking, cell migration, and cilium assembly [1, 6]. In disease contexts, ATAT1 is often upregulated in various cancers, such as breast and colon cancer, where it promotes tumor cell invasion and metastasis [1, 10]. It is also implicated in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases due to its role in axonal transport and microtubule stability [1, 2]. While ATAT1-deficient models are viable, they exhibit specific defects such as male infertility and brain development abnormalities, highlighting its specialized physiological roles [14, 15]. Therapeutic strategies targeting ATAT1 with small-molecule inhibitors, such as 2,4-disubstituted thiazole compounds, are currently being explored to treat invasive cancers and neurological conditions [5, 19].

Other names

MEC17C6orf134Alpha-TAT1TATAcetyltransferase Mec-17 homologAlpha-tubulin N-acetyltransferase 1

Inhibition of alpha-tubulin acetyltransferase activity, leading to reduced acetylation of Lysine 40 on alpha-tubulin and subsequent modulation of microtubule dynamics and cell motility.