What is Acetylation?

Acetylation is a chemical reaction that is called ethanoylation in the IUPAC nomenclature. It describes a reaction that introduces an acetyl functional group into a chemical compound. The opposite chemical reaction is called deacetylation – it is the removal of the acetyl group.

acetylImage Credit: Maryna Olyak / Shutterstock.com

The process of introducing an acetyl group results in an acetoxy group. It involves the substitution of an acetyl group for an active hydrogen atom. A reaction involving the replacement of the hydrogen atom of a hydroxyl group with an acetyl group (CH3 CO) would then yield a specific ester, the acetate.

Which proteins undergo acetylation?

Most of the proteins in the human body undergo acetylation. The process of acetylation is important for several important chemical reactions in the body. This includes:-

  • Protein formation
  • Drug biotransformation - many drugs are processed in the body through the acetylation reaction, either by biotransformation into an effective compound or to be metabolized into substances that the body can excrete in a more simpler manner
  • Regulation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and other genetic elements using histone acetylation. Proteins that replicate DNA and repair damaged genetic material are created directly by acetylation. Acetylation also helps in DNA transcription. Acetylation determines the energy that proteins use during duplication and this determines the accuracy of copying the genes. The erroneous zones while copying the DNA are removed by proteins and the segments are later attached. Less faulty pieces may be allowed to remain while the more flawed ones are removed. There is a way acetylation is triggered by cellular proteins. When the reaction begins, chemicals are added to the DNA-controlling proteins.
  • Reactions triggered by acetyltransferases that can lead to cancer and other diseases

N-alpha-acetyltransferases

N-alpha-acetyltransferases help in mediating acetylation reactions. There are three common varieties of these enzymes. These are labeled A, B, and C and act within the cells to transfer molecules. They also control the proteins that build up the cellular structures.

Further Reading

Last Updated: Feb 23, 2023

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Written by

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Mandal, Ananya. (2023, February 23). What is Acetylation?. News-Medical. Retrieved on October 31, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Acetylation.aspx.

  • MLA

    Mandal, Ananya. "What is Acetylation?". News-Medical. 31 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Acetylation.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Mandal, Ananya. "What is Acetylation?". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Acetylation.aspx. (accessed October 31, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Mandal, Ananya. 2023. What is Acetylation?. News-Medical, viewed 31 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Acetylation.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.