NAT10 governs development through the Xrp1-mediated stress response rather than its RNA acetylation activity.

NAT10 influences development primarily through Xrp1-mediated stress response, not its RNA acetylation activity, as shown by rescue of mutants with catalytically inactive NAT10.

• Why it matters: Understanding NAT10's true role is crucial because its known RNA acetylation functions do not fully explain its developmental effects, highlighting a gap in knowledge about its molecular mechanisms in vivo.
• What they did: The study used Drosophila models with NAT10 knockdown and mutants, performing acRIP-seq and functional assays, including rescue experiments with catalytically inactive NAT10, to dissect its roles.
• The result: Findings reveal NAT10's key developmental role involves ribosome biogenesis and activating Xrp1-driven stress responses, independent of its RNA acetylation activity, enabling potential targeted interventions.