Function
Alpha glucosidase (AGS) or maltase breaks down the 1,4-α bonds in starch or disaccharides to produce glucose. Maltase breaks down maltose. Isomaltase or sucrase-isomaltase or oligo-1,6-glucosidase breaks the 1,6 bond.[1]
- Maltase-glucoamylase has important role in glucose production. It hydrolize linear alpha-1,4-linked oligosaccharides[2].
- Acid-alpha gucosidase degrades glycogen polymers to glucose in the acidic lysosomes[3].
- 6-phospho-alpha gucosidase hydrolyses maltose-6"-phosphate[4].
- Glucan 1,4-alpha gucosidase hydrolyses the terminal 1,4-linked alpha-D-glucose residues in polysaccharides to produce beta-glucose.
For details see Sucrase-isomaltase.
See also Kennedy research and Carbohydrate Metabolism.
Disease
AGS deficiency is the cause of Pompe Disease. AGS inhibitors are used as anti-diabetic drugs and can potentially prevent the fusion of HIV and hepatitis B virus to cells.
Structural highlights
(PDB code 3a4a).[5] Water molecules shown as red spheres.
.
3D structures of α-glucosidase
Alpha-glucosidase 3D structures
