An acetyltransferase (also referred to as a transacetylase) is a type of transferase enzyme that transfers an acetyl group, through a process called acetylation. In biological organisms, post-translational modification of a protein via acetylation can profoundly transform its functionality by altering various properties like hydrophobicity, solubility, and surface attributes. These alterations have the potential to influence the protein's conformation and its interactions with substrates, cofactors, and other macromolecules.

Types of acetyltransferases

Additional examples of acetyltransferases found in nature include:

Structure

The predicted three-dimensional structures of histone, choline, and serotonin acetyltransferases are shown below. As with all enzymes, the structure of acetyltransferases are essential for interactions between them and their substrates; alterations to the structures of these enzymes could result in a loss of enzymatic activity.