N-acetyltransferase 8-like (NAT8L)

N-acetyltransferase 8-like (NAT8L) is a membrane-bound enzyme highly specific to neurons, where it catalyzes the formation of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) from aspartate and acetyl-CoA[2][3]. NAA serves as a key metabolite for neuronal acetyl-CoA storage/transport and myelin lipid synthesis, and is a prominent marker of neuronal density and function in imaging[3]. NAT8L is crucial for brain bioenergetics and has been implicated in several neurological conditions; deficiencies cause primary NAA deficiency and are associated with developmental and neurodegenerative disorders[3]. Beyond its predominant function in the CNS, NAT8L is expressed in brown adipose tissue, where it promotes mitochondrial function and lipid turnover[1][3]. In the liver and other tissues, altered NAT8L expression can reprogram cell metabolism and influence cell proliferation[3]. NAT8L has also been linked to psychiatric disease (with methylation serving as a potential epigenetic biomarker) and cancer (as a circulating biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer), but no drugs are currently known to directly target NAT8L[3].

Other names

N-acetylaspartate synthetaseCML3NAA synthetaseFLJ37478Hcml3Shaticamello-like protein 3NACEDNAT8-LIKE

Not applicable (no direct drugs targeting NAT8L); hypothetical mechanisms could relate to modulation of NAA synthesis or neuronal acetyl-CoA balance