Research progress on NAT10-mediated acetylation in normal development and disease

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Epigenetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) is an evolutionarily conserved RNA modification.
• This modification is catalyzed by the acetyltransferase NAT10, a dual-function enzyme.
• ac4C regulates RNA stability, translation, and various post-transcriptional processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structural and functional roles of NAT10-mediated acetylation.
• To explore the involvement of NAT10 in physiological contexts and cancer.
• To highlight emerging therapeutic opportunities targeting NAT10 and ac4C.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of structural and functional studies on NAT10.
• Analysis of NAT10's roles in cell division, differentiation, inflammation, aging, and viral infection.
• Examination of NAT10's oncogenic mechanisms and interactions with non-coding RNAs.

Main Results:

• NAT10-mediated acetylation plays significant roles in physiological processes.
• In cancer, NAT10 drives tumor progression via enhanced mRNA stability, cell cycle regulation, metastasis, and immune evasion.
• NAT10 also influences ferroptosis, metabolism, p53 activity, and drug resistance.

Conclusions:

• NAT10-mediated acetylation is a key regulator in both normal physiology and cancer.
• Targeting NAT10 and ac4C modifications presents promising therapeutic strategies.
• Future research should address microbiota-mediated ac4C regulation and the tumor immune microenvironment.