Function
Alpha glucosidase (AGS) or maltase breaks down the 1,4-α bonds in starch or disaccharides to produce glucose. Maltase breaks down maltose. Isomaltase or sucrase-isomaltase or oligo-1,6-glucosidase breaks the 1,6 bond.[1] For details see Sucrase-isomaltase.
See also Kennedy research and Carbohydrate Metabolism.
Disease
AGS deficiency is the cause of Pompe Disease. AGS inhibitors are used as anti-diabetic drugs and can potentially prevent the fusion of HIV and hepatitis B virus to cells.
Structural highlights
(PDB code 3a4a).[2] Water molecules shown as red spheres.
.
3D structures of α-glucosidase
Alpha-glucosidase 3D structures
