Enzyme
α-Galactosidase ( EC 3.2.1.22, α-GAL, α-GAL A; systematic name α--galactoside galactohydrolase) is a glycoside hydrolase enzyme that catalyses the following reaction:
 Hydrolysis of terminal, non-reducing α--galactose residues in α--galactosides, including galactose oligosaccharides, galactomannans and galactolipids
It catalyzes many catabolic processes, including cleavage of glycoproteins, glycolipids, and polysaccharides.
The enzyme is encoded by the "GLA" gene.
Function.
This enzyme is a homodimeric glycoprotein that hydrolyses the terminal α-galactosyl moieties from glycolipids and glycoproteins. It predominantly hydrolyzes ceramide trihexoside, and it can catalyze the hydrolysis of melibiose into galactose and glucose.
Applications.
α-Galactosidase from "Aspergillus niger" is the active ingredient in Beano, a dietary supplement for bloating and flatulence.
Recombinant α-Galactosidase made by baker's yeast is approved in Europe as a feed additive intended to make poultry food more digestible.
References.
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External links.
"This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain."