Catalyzes the hydrolysis of N-acetylated amino acids to acetate and free amino acids. an N-acyl-L-amino acid + H2O = a carboxylate + an L-alpha-amino acid H2O + N(alpha)-acetyl-L-methionine = acetate + L-methionine H2O + N-acetyl-L-glutamine = acetate + L-glutamine Binds 2 Zn(2+) ions per subunit. Homodimer. Interacts with SPHK1 (By similarity). Expression is highest in kidney, strong in brain and weaker in placenta and spleen. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the peptidase M20A family.