Betaisoformers

Beta-isoformers are a class of enzymes that play a crucial role in the metabolism of amino acids. Specifically, they belong to the family of N-terminal acetyl transferases (NATs) and are involved in the post-translational modification of proteins. Beta-isoformers are also known as NatB or NAT5, Nat8, and Nat12 in different organisms.

These enzymes catalyze the N-terminal acetylation of proteins, which is a vital step in the cell's proofreading mechanism to ensure that proteins are correctly folded and functional. During the translation process, many proteins are synthesized with an N-terminal Met residue, which may need to be removed to prevent interference with protein interactions and enzyme binding. Beta-isoformers are responsible for this N-terminal processing by converting the Met residue to N-acetyl methionine, a process called N-terminal acetylation.

Beta-isoformers are highly conserved across species, indicating their fundamental importance in cellular metabolism. Decades of research have shown that these enzymes are involved in numerous cellular processes, including gene expression, protein folding, and cellular stress responses. Disruptions to beta-isoformers have been linked to several diseases, including Frohlich syndrome and Neimann-Pick disease.

In summary, beta-isoformers are a class of enzymes responsible for N-terminal acetylation of proteins, an essential process in cellular metabolism. Their role in maintaining protein homeostasis and ensuring proper protein function have led researchers to explore their functions and potential dysfunctions in diseases.