Yeast alpha-glucosidase (MAL12) (MAL12)

Yeast alpha-glucosidase is a hydrolase enzyme, primarily sourced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, that plays a pivotal role in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates by cleaving terminal alpha-1,4-linked glucose residues (UniProt, P07262). In drug discovery, it serves as a standard in vitro model for screening potential anti-diabetic agents, specifically alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) (PubMed, PMID: 25130515). Although the human intestinal enzyme is the clinical target, the yeast ortholog is frequently used due to its accessibility and well-characterized kinetics (PubChem, CID: 444254). Inhibition of this enzyme slows the conversion of dietary starch and disaccharides into absorbable monosaccharides, effectively flattening the postprandial glucose curve (StatPearls, NBK557852). This therapeutic approach is essential for managing Type 2 diabetes and mitigating the risk of cardiovascular complications linked to chronic hyperglycemia (NIH, PMC6152709).

Other names

MaltaseAlpha-D-glucoside glucohydrolaseSaccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-glucosidaseGlucan 1,4-alpha-glucosidase

Competitive inhibition of alpha-glucosidase activity in the digestive tract to delay carbohydrate absorption and reduce postprandial glucose levels (StatPearls, NBK557852).