NatF Contributes to an Evolutionary Shift in Protein N-Terminal Acetylation and Is Important for Normal Chromosome Segregation
2011

NatF Contributes to an Evolutionary Shift in Protein N-Terminal Acetylation and Is Important for Normal Chromosome Segregation

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Author Information

Author(s): Van Damme Petra, Hole Kristine, Pimenta-Marques Ana, Helsens Kenny, Vandekerckhove Joël, Martinho Rui G., Gevaert Kris, Arnesen Thomas

Primary Institution: Ghent University, Belgium

Hypothesis

What are the mechanisms behind the evolutionary shift in N-terminal acetylation from lower to higher eukaryotes?

Conclusion

The study identifies NatF as a key protein modifier that contributes to the evolution of N-terminal acetylation and is essential for normal chromosome segregation.

Supporting Evidence

  • NatF was shown to acetylate distinct Met-starting protein N-termini in yeast.
  • Knockdown of NAA60 in Drosophila cells led to chromosomal segregation defects.
  • Overexpression of hNaa60p in yeast increased the overall N-terminal acetylation levels.

Takeaway

Scientists found a new protein called NatF that helps add a special chemical tag to proteins, which is important for how cells divide properly.

Methodology

The study used proteomics to analyze N-terminal acetylation in yeast and human cells, along with in vitro and in vivo assays to assess the activity of NatF.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on specific model organisms and may not fully represent all eukaryotic systems.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgen.1002169

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