Alpha-1,4-glucan

Alpha-1,4-glucan polysaccharides are glucose polymers linked by alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds, primarily serving as energy storage (glycogen in animals and bacteria, starch in plants) and structural components (bacterial capsule). In humans, their metabolism is tightly regulated by enzymes like glycogen synthase and phosphorylase; dysregulation leads to Glycogen Storage Diseases (GSD) and Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease (APBD), characterized by the accumulation of insoluble polyglucosan bodies. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, alpha-1,4-glucans form a protective capsule, and the GlgE pathway for their synthesis is a validated drug target. Therapeutic strategies involve inhibiting the enzymes that synthesize or degrade these glucans to manage blood glucose levels or treat infections. While the polysaccharides themselves are often the pathological entity, the primary therapeutic targets are the enzymes that process them.

Other names

Alpha-1,4-glucan polysaccharidesGlycogenStarchAmyloseAmylopectinPolyglucosanAlpha-D-glucanAlpha-1,4-D-glucan

Inhibition of enzymes involved in alpha-1,4-glucan synthesis or degradation, such as alpha-glucosidase, glycogen phosphorylase, and maltosyltransferase (GlgE).