Zn-dependent carboxypeptidases (ZnCP) cleave off the C-terminal amino acid residues from proteins and peptides. Here we describe a superfamily that unites classical ZnCP with other enzymes, most of which are known (or likely) to participate in metal-dependent peptide bond cleavage, but not necessarily in polypeptide substrates. It is demonstrated that aspartoacylase (ASP gene) and succinylgluta...

Cancer is associated with globally hypoacetylated chromatin and considerable attention has recently been focused on epigenetic therapies. N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA), the primary storage form of acetate in the brain, and aspartoacylase (ASPA), the enzyme responsible for NAA catalysis to generate acetate and ultimately acetyl-Coenzyme A for histone acetylation, are reduced in oligodendroglioma. T...

The brain is unique among organs in many respects, including its mechanisms of lipid synthesis and energy production. The nervous system-specific metabolite N-acetylaspartate (NAA), which is synthesized from aspartate and acetyl-coenzyme A in neurons, appears to be a key link in these distinct biochemical features of CNS metabolism. During early postnatal central nervous system (CNS) developmen...

Background: Imbalances in cellular energy homeostasis can lead to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The heart, which has to contract incessantly, is very sensitive to nutritional changes and requires optimal energy to fuel adjustment [1]. N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is one of the most abundant metabolites in brain [2] with yet unknown function. NAA is synthesized ...

Background: Imbalances in cellular energy homeostasis can lead to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The heart, which has to contract incessantly, is very sensitive to nutritional changes and requires optimal energy to fuel adjustment [1]. N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is one of the most abundant metabolites in brain [2] with yet unknown function. NAA is synthesized ...