N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid (NAA)

N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid (NAA) is a highly concentrated, neuron-specific brain metabolite synthesized from aspartate and acetyl-CoA via aspartate N-acetyltransferase in neuronal mitochondria[1][8]. NAA is transported from neurons to oligodendrocytes, where aspartoacylase hydrolyzes it to produce acetate for myelin lipid synthesis[2][8]. Major biological roles proposed for NAA include serving as a neuronal osmolyte, supporting myelin and lipid synthesis, contributing to axon-glial signaling, providing acetate for metabolic processes, and being a precursor for the neuropeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG)[1][2][4][6]. NAA's level in the brain is a critical non-invasive marker for neuronal health, commonly measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Abnormal brain NAA levels are linked to neurodegenerative conditions and genetic disorders such as Canavan disease, where its accumulation is neurotoxic due to deficient aspartoacylase activity[2][4][6][8]. NAA itself is not considered a therapeutic target, receptor, enzyme, or transporter.

Other names

N-acetylaspartateN-acetylaspartic acidacetyl-L-aspartic acidAC-ASP-OHAc-L-Asp-OHN-acetylasparticacidN-AC-L-ASPD4001Ac-Asp-OhacetylasparticacidN-acetyl-L-asparticN-acetyl-Asp[3][7]

Not applicable (N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid is not a therapeutic target or receptor)