Function
O-GlcNAcase or hyaluronoglucosaminidase (OGA) is one of two enzymes which modulate the level of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) attachment to cytoplasmic, nuclear and mitochondrial proteins[1]. The attachment of O-GlcNAc to proteins is a post-translational modification.
Relevance
Inhibition of OGA is a promising therapeutic approach to treat tau pathology in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy[2]. The inhibition of OGA hinders formation of tau aggregates and decreases neuronal cell loss[3].
Structural highlights
The 3D structure of the complex between human OGA and a transition state analog Thiamet-G shows the active site pocket at the base of a V-shaped cleft between the 2 OGA monomers. There are formed between OGA and Thiamet-G as well as some . are defined as catalytic residues[4].
