AANAT
AANAT (pronounced: A-A-N-A-T, /ˈeɪ.əˌnæt/) is an acronym for Aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the biochemical synthesis of melatonin from serotonin. It is encoded by the AANAT gene in humans.
Etymology
The term AANAT is derived from the full name of the enzyme, Aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase. The term "Aralkylamine" refers to the type of compounds it acts upon, "N-acetyltransferase" refers to the type of biochemical reaction it catalyzes.
Function
AANAT is a key enzyme in the melatonin synthesis pathway. It catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to the primary amine in aralkylamines, leading to the production of N-acetylarylalkylamines. This is a critical step in the conversion of serotonin to melatonin in the pineal gland.
Related Terms
- Melatonin: A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
- Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness.
- Pineal Gland: A small endocrine gland in the brain that produces melatonin.
- Acetyl-CoA: An important molecule in metabolism, used in many biochemical reactions.
- Aralkylamine: A type of organic compound that AANAT acts upon.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on AANAT
- Wikipedia's article - AANAT
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