Diamine acetyltransferase 1, also known as spermidine/spermine-N(1)-acetyltransferase (SSAT), is an enzyme that catalyses the acetylation of polyamines. It adds acetyl groups to the aminopropyl end(s) of spermidine and spermine. This acetylation reduces the charge on the polyamines, altering their ability to bind to acidic macromolecules. Furthermore, the acetylated derivatives can readily be excreted from the cell or oxidised by acetylpolyamine oxidase. Thus SSAT plays a key role in maintaining polyamine homeostasis and influencing cellular processes related to polyamine content, such as cell growth and differentiation []. SSAT has been considered as a target for cancer treatment.
