The function of NIT1 (nitrilase 1, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000158793) is as follows. Catalyzes the hydrolysis of the amide bond in N-(4- oxoglutarate)-L-cysteinylglycine (deaminated glutathione), a metabolite repair reaction to dispose of the harmful deaminated glutathione (PubMed:38430071). Plays a role in cell growth and apoptosis: loss of expression promotes cell growth, resistance to DNA damage stress and increased incidence to NMBA-induced tumors. Has tumor suppressor properties that enhances the apoptotic responsiveness in cancer cells; this effect is additive to the tumor suppressor activity of FHIT. It is also a negative regulator of primary T-cells. .