Α-Galactosidase Explained

α-Galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.22, α-GAL, α-GAL A; systematic name α-D-galactoside galactohydrolase) is a glycoside hydrolase enzyme that catalyses the following reaction:^[1]

Hydrolysis of terminal, non-reducing α-D-galactose residues in α-D-galactosides, including galactose oligosaccharides, galactomannans and galactolipids

It catalyzes many catabolic processes, including cleavage of glycoproteins, glycolipids, and polysaccharides.

The enzyme is encoded by the GLA gene.^[2]

Function

This enzyme is a homodimeric glycoprotein that hydrolyses the terminal α-galactosyl moieties from glycolipids and glycoproteins. It predominantly hydrolyzes ceramide trihexoside, and it can catalyze the hydrolysis of melibiose into galactose and glucose.

Applications

α-Galactosidase from Aspergillus niger is the active ingredient in Beano, a dietary supplement for bloating and flatulence.^{[3] [4]}

Recombinant α-Galactosidase made by baker's yeast is approved in Europe as a feed additive intended to make poultry food more digestible.^[5]

See also

• β-galactosidase
• Migalastat, a drug targeting α-galactosidase
• Classification of α-galactosidases (according to CAZy)

Notes and References

1. Book: Scriver CR, Sly WS, Childs B, ABeaudet AL, Valle D, Kinzler KW, Vogelstein B . The Metabolic & Molecular Basis of Inherited Disease . McGraw-Hill . 978-0-07-913035-8 . 8th . 15 December 2000.
2. Calhoun DH, Bishop DF, Bernstein HS, Quinn M, Hantzopoulos P, Desnick RJ . Fabry disease: isolation of a cDNA clone encoding human α-galactosidase A . Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America . 82 . 21 . 7364–8 . November 1985 . 2997789 . 391345 . 10.1073/pnas.82.21.7364 . 1985PNAS...82.7364C . free .
3. Di Stefano M, Miceli E, Gotti S, Missanelli A, Mazzoccahi S, Corazza GR . The effect of oral alpha-galactosidase on intestinal gas production and gas-related symptoms . Dig. Dis. Sci. . 52 . 1 . 78–83 . January 2007 . 17151807 . 10.1007/s10620-006-9296-9 . 35435660 .
4. Ganiats TG, Norcross WA, Halverson AL, Burford PA, Palinkas LA . Does Beano prevent gas? A double-blind crossover study of oral alpha-galactosidase to treat dietary oligosaccharide intolerance . J Fam Pract . 39 . 5 . 441–5 . November 1994 . 7964541 .
5. Bampidis V, Azimonti G, Bastos ML, Christensen H, Dusemund B, Durjava M, Kouba M, López-Alonso M, López Puente S, Marcon F, Mayo B, Pechová A, Petkova M, Ramos F, Sanz Y, Villa RE, Woutersen R, Anguita M, Brozzi R, Ortuño J, Pettenati E, Tarrés-Call J, García-Cazorla Y . Assessment of the feed additive consisting of alpha-galactosidase produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiaeCBS 615.94 and endo-1,4-beta-glucanase produced by Aspergillus nigerCBS 120604 (Agal-Pro BL/BL-L®) for use in chickens for fattening, minor poultry species for fattening and chickens reared for laying for the renewal of its authorisation (Kerry Ingredients & Flavours Ltd.) . EFSA Journal. European Food Safety Authority . 21 . 8 . e08175 . August 2023 . 37583944 . 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8175 . 10424062 .