Alpha-amylase 2B (AMY2B)

Alpha-amylase 2B (AMY2B) is a pancreatic enzyme responsible for the initial hydrolysis of dietary starch and glycogen into maltose, maltotriose, and dextrins by cleaving internal 1,4-alpha-glucosidic bonds. It is secreted primarily by the pancreas into the small intestine and is crucial for normal carbohydrate digestion. AMY2B is one of several amylase isoenzymes in humans, distinct from salivary amylases, and encoded by the AMY2B gene on human chromosome 1. The protein consists of three domains (A, B, C), with the active site located in domain A and structural support from calcium binding in domain B. AMY2B is a clinical marker for pancreatic health, with altered levels often indicating pancreatic disease. Pharmacological inhibitors of alpha-amylase are used to slow carbohydrate digestion in metabolic diseases like diabetes mellitus.

Other names

Amylase alpha-2BPancreatic alpha-amylasePancreatic amylaseAMY2Alpha-amylase isoenzyme 2BAlpha-2B amylase

Competitive inhibition of alpha-amylase activity, reducing complex carbohydrate breakdown and slowing glucose absorption (for inhibitors like acarbose). Reduction of postprandial blood glucose rise.