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.^[1]

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).