NMT2 Human

N-Myristoyltransferase 2 (NMT2) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the post-translational modification of proteins. This enzyme catalyzes the covalent attachment of myristic acid, a 14-carbon saturated fatty acid, to the N-terminal glycine residue of target proteins. This process, known as myristoylation, is essential for the proper functioning of various proteins involved in cellular signaling, membrane targeting, and protein-protein interactions.

NMT2 is one of the two isoforms of N-myristoyltransferase found in humans, the other being NMT1. Both isoforms share a high degree of sequence similarity and perform similar functions, but they are expressed in different tissues and have distinct substrate specificities. NMT2 is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme with a molecular weight of approximately 50-60 kDa .

The primary function of NMT2 is to facilitate the myristoylation of proteins, which is a critical modification for the proper localization and function of many signaling proteins. Myristoylation helps anchor proteins to cellular membranes, thereby influencing their interactions and activities within the cell .

Myristoylation by NMT2 is essential for the regulation of various cellular processes, including signal transduction, apoptosis, and immune responses. The modification of proteins by myristic acid allows them to associate with membrane surfaces, which is necessary for their biological activity. For example, myristoylation is required for the proper functioning of several key signaling molecules, such as protein kinases and GTPases .

In addition to its role in normal cellular functions, NMT2 has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. Studies have shown that the expression levels of NMT2 can be altered in certain types of cancer, and this alteration can affect the prognosis and progression of the disease . For instance, detectable levels of NMT2 protein in breast cancer tissues have been associated with poorer overall survival and more aggressive tumor characteristics .

Recombinant NMT2 refers to the enzyme produced through recombinant DNA technology, which involves the insertion of the NMT2 gene into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or yeast. This allows for the large-scale production of the enzyme for research and therapeutic purposes. Recombinant NMT2 is used in various biochemical assays to study the enzyme’s activity, substrate specificity, and potential as a drug target .

Given its critical role in protein modification and cellular signaling, NMT2 is considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of diseases such as cancer. Inhibitors of NMT2 are being explored as potential anticancer agents, as they can disrupt the myristoylation process and thereby inhibit the growth and survival of cancer cells . The development of specific inhibitors for NMT2 could provide a novel approach to cancer therapy, particularly for tumors that exhibit high levels of NMT2 expression.