N-Acetyltalosaminuronic acid

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N-Acetyltalosaminuronic acid

What it is
N-Acetyltalosaminuronic acid (NAT) is a uronic acid with the recommended name 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-α-L-talopyranuronic acid. It is one of the sugars found in certain Archaeal cell walls.

Where it is found
In some Archaea, NAT is a building block of pseudomurein, the structural polymer that forms part of their cell walls.

How it works
In pseudomurein, NAT is connected to N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) via a beta-1,3 glycosidic bond. This linkage helps protect the cell wall from lysozyme, an enzyme that can break down bacterial cell walls.

Quick facts
- Chemical formula: C8H13NO7
- Molar mass: ~235.19 g/mol
- Also known as NAT and referenced by IUPAC name 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-α-L-talopyranuronic acid

Notes
This compound is involved in the unique cell-wall structure of some Archaea and is not a standard component of bacterial cell walls.