Phylogenetic distribution and function of arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase.

Amine acetylation is a diverse topic with importance to the regulation of several physiological processes as well as the metabolism of drugs and environmental chemicals. Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase is widely distributed in several species, where this enzyme plays an important role in the seasonal regulation of reproduction and photoperiodism in vertebrates through the pathway of melatonin formation. In insects, this enzyme is involved in monoamine neurotransmitter inactivation and the formation of catecholamine intermediates necessary for sclerotization of the insect cuticle.