N-Acetyl-L-valine or N-Acetylvaline, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as N-acyl-alpha amino acids. N-acyl-alpha amino acids are compounds containing an alpha amino acid which bears an acyl group at its terminal nitrogen atom. N-Acetylvaline can also be classified as an alpha amino acid or a derivatized alpha amino acid. Technically, N-Acetylvaline is a biologically available N-terminal capped form of the proteinogenic alpha amino acid L-valine. N-acetyl amino acids can be produced either via direct synthesis of specific N-acetyltransferases or via the proteolytic degradation of N-acetylated proteins by specific hydrolases. N-terminal acetylation of proteins is a widespread and highly conserved process in eukaryotes that is involved in protection and stability of proteins. The substrate specificities of different NAT enzymes are mainly determined by the identities of the first two N-terminal residues of the target protein. The human NatA complex co-translationally acetylates N-termini that bear a small amino acid (A, S, T, C, and occasionally V and G). In addition to the NAT enzymes and protein-based acetylation, N-acetylation of free valine can also occur. Excessive amounts N-acetyl amino acids including N-acetylvaline(as well as N-acetylglycine, N-acetylserine, N-acetylmethionine, N-acetylglutamate, N-acetylalanine, N-acetylleucine and smaller amounts of N-acetylglutamine, N-acetylisoleucine, and N-acetylthreonine) can be detected in the urine with individuals with acylase I deficiency, a genetic disorder. Many N-acetylamino acids, including N-acetylthreonine, are classified as uremic toxins if present in high abundance in the serum or plasma. Uremic toxins are a diverse group of endogenously produced molecules that, if not properly cleared or eliminated by the kidneys, can cause kidney damage, cardiovascular disease and neurological deficits. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of acetyl groups from acetyl-CoA to arylamines, arylhydroxylamines and arylhydrazines.

Metabolism and Physiological Effects of N-Acetylvaline References