alpha-Tubulin
alpha-Tubulin, in the context of this page, refers to the enzyme encoded by ATAT1, alpha tubulin acetyltransferase 1, also known as MEC17 or C6orf134. It specifically acetylates Lys-40 of alpha-tubulin on the lumenal side of microtubules. Browse Assay Genie's current range of alpha-Tubulin research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
The enzyme encoded by the ATAT1 gene, alpha-Tubulin N-acetyltransferase 1, specifically acetylates Lys-40 in alpha-tubulin on the lumenal side of microtubules. It enters the microtubule through each end and diffuses quickly throughout the lumen. Its catalytic site is not optimised for acetyl transfer, so the enzymatic rate is slow. As a result it acts only on long-lived, older microtubules, because it is released before it can modify dynamically unstable ones. The protein also promotes microtubule destabilisation and accelerates microtubule dynamics, an activity that may be independent of its acetylation activity.
In cells, the enzyme localises to clathrin-coated pits, where it acetylates alpha-tubulin on lysine 40. It promotes directional cell locomotion and chemotaxis through AP2A2-dependent acetylation of alpha-tubulin at coated pits concentrated at the leading edge of migrating cells. It is required for normal sperm flagellar function and may facilitate primary cilium assembly. UniProt also records it in the cytoplasm, focal adhesions, axons and the spindle. It belongs to the acetyltransferase ATAT1 family and to the HGNC group of lysine acetyltransferases. NCBI Gene notes that alternative splicing produces multiple transcript variants.
The gene was previously named chromosome 6 open reading frame 134 (C6orf134), and other aliases include MEC17, FLJ13158 and Em:AB023049.7. Mouse and rat both carry an orthologous gene, Atat1. Researchers studying microtubule acetylation, cell migration or ciliogenesis use the alpha-Tubulin acetyltransferase as a defined entry point into tubulin post-translational modification.
The enzyme specifically acetylates Lys-40 of alpha-tubulin inside the microtubule lumen, making it central to studies of this tubulin modification.
It promotes directional locomotion and chemotaxis through AP2A2-dependent acetylation of alpha-tubulin at clathrin-coated pits at the leading edge.
The protein may facilitate primary cilium assembly, linking tubulin acetylation to ciliary biology.
It destabilises microtubules and accelerates their dynamics, possibly independently of acetylation, and its slow kinetics restrict it to long-lived microtubules.
It specifically acetylates Lys-40 of alpha-tubulin on the lumenal side of microtubules. It also promotes microtubule destabilisation, supports directional cell migration and chemotaxis at clathrin-coated pits, is required for normal sperm flagellar function, and may facilitate primary cilium assembly.
The HGNC name is alpha tubulin acetyltransferase 1. Aliases include MEC17, FLJ13158 and Em:AB023049.7, and the previous symbol was C6orf134, from chromosome 6 open reading frame 134. UniProt lists the protein as Alpha-tubulin N-acetyltransferase 1.
Yes, orthologous genes named Atat1 exist in both mouse and rat. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity. The human protein belongs to the acetyltransferase ATAT1 family and is classed among lysine acetyltransferases.
Other tubulin-modifying enzymes, clathrin-coated pit components and cytoskeletal targets with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q5SQI0; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.