This gene encodes a single-pass membrane protein, which contains a conserved sequence of the GCN5 or NAT superfamily of N-acetyltransferases and is a member of the N-acyltransferase (NAT) superfamily. This protein is a neuron-specific protein and is the N-acetylaspartate (NAA) biosynthetic enzyme, catalyzing the NAA synthesis from L-aspartate and acetyl-CoA. NAA is a major storage and transport form of acetyl coenzyme A specific to the nervous system. The gene mutation results in primary NAA deficiency (hypoacetylaspartia).