NMT1 Antibody

N-Myristoyltransferase 1 (NMT1) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the process of protein myristoylation, a type of lipid modification where the fatty acid myristate is covalently attached to the N-terminal glycine of target proteins. This modification is essential for the proper functioning of various proteins involved in signal transduction, cell proliferation, and apoptosis.

NMT1 is one of the two N-myristoyltransferases found in mammals, the other being NMT2. Both enzymes share structural similarities and have overlapping substrate specificities. However, NMT1 is considered the principal enzyme responsible for myristoylation during early embryogenesis .

NMT1 is essential for the viability and development of organisms. Studies have shown that NMT1-deficient mice exhibit severe developmental defects and do not survive beyond early embryonic stages . This highlights the enzyme’s critical role in early development. Additionally, NMT1 has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and viral infections. For instance, NMT1 activity is required for the production of infectious human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), making it a potential target for antiviral therapies .

Given its essential role in cell viability and disease processes, NMT1 has garnered interest as a therapeutic target. Inhibitors of NMT1 have shown promise in preclinical studies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. For example, inhibition of NMT1 in lung carcinoma cells leads to mitochondrial iron overload and cell death, suggesting its potential as a cancer therapeutic target .

Research on NMT1 continues to evolve, with ongoing studies aimed at understanding its precise mechanisms and developing effective inhibitors. The use of mouse models and anti-human NMT1 antibodies has been instrumental in elucidating the enzyme’s function and therapeutic potential .