Alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase (α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase)

Alpha-amylase is a calcium-dependent enzyme produced in the salivary glands and pancreas that catalyzes the random cleavage of internal α-1,4-glycosidic bonds in polysaccharides like starch and glycogen, producing oligosaccharides and maltose. It is characterized by a (β/α)₈ barrel fold and belongs to the glycoside hydrolase family 13. Alpha-glucosidase is situated on the luminal surface of intestinal epithelial cells and hydrolyzes terminal, non-reducing α-1,4-linked glucose residues from disaccharides and oligosaccharides, releasing free glucose; it is classified in glycoside hydrolase family 31. Both enzymes facilitate the digestive process of carbohydrates, and their inhibition by drugs such as acarbose and miglitol forms the basis of a therapeutic approach to slow glucose absorption and control postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes patients. Deficiencies in alpha-glucosidase are associated with specific glycogen storage diseases such as Pompe disease, while their physiological role is central in overall metabolic homeostasis and dietary glucose uptake.

Other names

1,4-α-D-glucan glucanohydrolaseglycogenaseEC 3.2.1.1maltaseglucoamylasesucrase-isomaltaseEC 3.2.1.20

Competitive inhibition of enzyme active sites, thereby delaying carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption, resulting in reduced postprandial blood glucose levels