1,2-α-L-fucosidase: An Overview
1,2-α-L-fucosidase, classified under EC 3.2.1.63, is an important enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of specific glycosyl compounds. This enzyme primarily facilitates the following chemical reaction:
methyl-2-α-L-fucopyranosyl-β-D-galactoside + H2O ⇌ L-fucose + methyl β-D-galactoside
As part of the hydrolases family, 1,2-α-L-fucosidase falls under the subclass of glycosidases, which are responsible for breaking down O- and S-glycosyl compounds. Its systematic name is 2-α-L-fucopyranosyl-β-D-galactoside fucohydrolase. In scientific literature, it is also known by several other names, including almond emulsin fucosidase and α-(1→2)-L-fucosidase.
Structural Studies
As of late 2007, four distinct structures of this enzyme have been characterized, and they are recorded under the following PDB accession codes: 2EAB, 2EAC, 2EAD, and 2EAE. These structures provide valuable insights into the enzyme’s function and potential applications in various biochemical processes.
Research and References
- Bahl OP (1970). “Glycosidases of Aspergillus niger. II. Purification and general properties of 1,2-α-L-fucosidase”. J. Biol. Chem. 245 (2): 299–304. doi:10.1016/S0021-9258(18)63394-0.
- Ogata-Arakawa M, Muramatsu T, Kobata A (1977). “α-L-Fucosidases from almond emulsin: characterization of the two enzymes with different specificities”. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 181 (1): 353–8. doi:10.1016/0003-9861(77)90514-8.
- Reglero A, Cabezas JA (1976). “Glycosidases of molluscs. Purification and properties of α-L-fucosidase from Chamelea gallina L”. Eur. J. Biochem. 66 (2): 379–87. doi:10.1111/j.1432-1033.1976.tb10527.x.
The study of 1,2-α-L-fucosidase continues to be an area of interest in biochemistry, particularly due to its potential applications in glycoside hydrolysis, biotechnology, and therapeutic development.