ATAT1

This gene encodes a protein that localizes to clathrin-coated pits, where it acetylates alpha tubulin on lysine 40. This process may be important in microtubule growth, for instance during chemotaxis and the formation of cilium. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.

Full Name

alpha tubulin acetyltransferase 1

Alternative Names

TAT; MEC17; C6orf134; Nbla00487; alpha-TAT; alpha-TAT1

Function

Specifically acetylates 'Lys-40' in alpha-tubulin on the lumenal side of microtubules. Promotes microtubule destabilization and accelerates microtubule dynamics; this activity may be independent of acetylation activity. Acetylates alpha-tubulin with a slow enzymatic rate, due to a catalytic site that is not optimized for acetyl transfer. Enters the microtubule through each end and diffuses quickly throughout the lumen of microtubules. Acetylates only long/old microtubules because of its slow acetylation rate since it does not have time to act on dynamically unstable microtubules before the enzyme is released. Required for normal sperm flagellar function. Promotes directional cell locomotion and chemotaxis, through AP2A2-dependent acetylation of alpha-tubulin at clathrin-coated pits that are concentrated at the leading edge of migrating cells. May facilitate primary cilium assembly.

Biological Process

Alpha-tubulin acetylation
Cilium assembly
Dentate gyrus development
Microtubule cytoskeleton organization
Neuron development
NLRP3 inflammasome complex assembly
Positive regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome complex assembly
Regulation of fat cell differentiation
Regulation of microtubule cytoskeleton organization
Response to mechanical stimulus
Response to pain
Spermatogenesis

Cellular Location

Cytoplasm;
Membrane, clathrin-coated pit;
Cell junction, focal adhesion;
Cell projection, axon;
Cytoplasm, cytoskeleton;
Cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, spindle.

PTM

Autoacetylation strongly increases tubulin acetylation.