Alpha-glucosidase

Function

Alpha glucosidase (AGS) or maltase beaks down the 1,4-α bonds in starch or disaccharides to produce glucose. Maltase breaks down maltose. Isomaltase breaks the 1,6 bond.

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.