Glucansucrase
Glucansucrase
Glucansucrase (pronounced gloo-kan-soo-krayz) is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of sucrose into a glucan polymer. The term is derived from the words "glucan", a type of polysaccharide, and "sucrase", an enzyme that breaks down sucrose.
Function
Glucansucrase is a type of glycosyltransferase, an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of sugar residues from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule. In the case of glucansucrase, the donor molecule is sucrose and the acceptor molecule is a glucan polymer. The enzyme is responsible for the synthesis of alpha-glucan polymers from sucrose, which are important in the formation of biofilms by certain bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans.
Structure
The structure of glucansucrase is complex, with multiple domains that contribute to its function. The enzyme has a catalytic domain that is responsible for the transfer of glucose residues, as well as a carbohydrate-binding domain that helps to stabilize the glucan polymer during synthesis.
Clinical Significance
Glucansucrase has been implicated in the pathogenesis of dental caries, as the glucan polymers it produces contribute to the formation of dental plaque. Inhibition of glucansucrase activity is therefore a potential strategy for the prevention of dental caries.
Related Terms
- Sucrose
- Glycosyltransferase
- Alpha-glucan
- Streptococcus mutans
- Catalytic domain
- Carbohydrate-binding domain
- Dental caries
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Glucansucrase
- Wikipedia's article - Glucansucrase
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