Gene NAT1
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Also known as
N-acetyltransferase 1, arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1, MNAT, AAC1Overview
NAT1 (N-Acetyltransferase 1) encodes an enzyme that acetylates aromatic amines and hydrazines, playing a role in both drug metabolism and activation of environmental carcinogens. NAT1 is widely expressed throughout the body, including in skin and breast tissue. The enzyme metabolizes para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), a component of folic acid synthesis pathway.NAT1 polymorphisms affect enzyme activity, creating "slow" and "rapid" acetylator phenotypes. Slow acetylators may have altered detoxification of certain carcinogens and different responses to drugs metabolized by NAT1. The NAT1*10 allele is associated with elevated activity and has been studied in relation to cancer risk, particularly breast cancer.
Understanding your NAT1 genetic status provides insights into xenobiotic metabolism and individual variation in carcinogen activation. This information is relevant for understanding how the body processes certain chemicals, drugs, and environmental exposures.