Glycoside hydrolase family 13 (GH13)

Glycoside hydrolase family 13 (GH13), also known as the alpha-amylase family, is the largest and most diverse group of enzymes acting on alpha-glycosidic bonds [1, 6]. It includes a wide variety of enzymes such as alpha-amylase, pullulanase, and cyclodextrin glucanotransferase, which are essential for the breakdown of starch and glycogen into simpler sugars [3, 8]. In humans, these enzymes play a critical role in carbohydrate digestion within the digestive tract [4, 9]. Therapeutically, GH13 members like pancreatic and salivary alpha-amylases are targeted by inhibitors such as acarbose to manage type 2 diabetes by slowing glucose absorption [10, 15]. Beyond medicine, GH13 enzymes are extensively used in industrial processes like baking, brewing, and biofuel production [7, 13].

Other names

Alpha-amylase familyGH13 familyGlycosyl hydrolase family 13GH13 superfamily

Competitive inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes, which delays the hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates and reduces the rate of glucose absorption in the small intestine [10, 15].