Recombinant microorganisms comprising DNA molecules in a deregulated form which improve the production of cadaverine or N-acetylcadaverine, as well as recombinant DNA molecules and polypeptides used to produce the microorganisms are provided. Said microorganisms comprise an intracellular lysine decarboxylase activity and a deregulated cadaverine export activity, or comprise a decreased cadaverine export activity and an enhanced N-acetylcadaverine forming activity. Processes for the production of cadaverine N-acetylcadaverine using the recombinant microorganisms are also provided.