Galactoside acetyltransferase (also known as Galactoside O-acetyltransferase, thiogalactoside transacetylase, β-galactoside transacetylase and GAT) is an enzyme that transfers an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to β-galactosides, glucosides and lactosides. It is coded for by the lacA gene of the lac operon in E. coli.[1]
The kinetics of the enzyme were delineated in 1995.[2]
Biological role
The enzyme's role in the classical E.colilac operon remains unclear.[1][3] However, the enzyme's cellular role may be to detoxify non-metabolizable pyranosides by acetylating them and preventing their reentry into the cell.[1][4]
