N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) is a nucleolar acetyltransferase with an acetylation catalytic function and can bind various protein and RNA molecules. As the N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) "writer" enzyme, NAT10 is reportedly involved in a variety of physiological and pathological activities. Currently, the NAT10-related molecular mechanisms in various cancers are not fully understood. In this review, we first describe the cellular localization of NAT10 and then summarize its numerous biological functions. NAT10 is involved in various biological processes by mediating the acetylation of different proteins and RNAs. These biological functions are also associated with cancer progression and patient prognosis. We also review the mechanisms by which NAT10 plays roles in various cancer types. NAT10 can affect tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and stress tolerance through its acetyltransferase properties. Further research into NAT10 functions and expression regulation in tumors will help explore its future potential in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Keywords: N4‐acetylcytidine; N‐acetyltransferase 10; acetyltransferase; cancer.
© 2025 The Author(s). Cancer Innovation published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Tsinghua University Press.