IDUA

IDUA (pronounced as I-D-U-A), also known as Iduronidase, is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the breakdown of certain complex carbohydrates in the body.

Etymology

The term IDUA is an acronym derived from the full name of the enzyme, Idurodase. The name of the enzyme itself is derived from the substance it acts upon, iduronic acid, a type of sugar molecule.

Function

IDUA is responsible for the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), specifically dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate. These GAGs are long chains of sugar molecules that are found throughout the body, including in the mucous membranes and connective tissues.

Related Terms

• Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I): A genetic disorder caused by a deficiency in IDUA. This leads to an accumulation of GAGs in various tissues and organs, which can cause a range of health problems.
• Lysosomal Storage Disease: A group of disorders, including MPS I, that involve a deficiency of enzymes needed to break down certain substances in the body, leading to their accumulation in cells.

See Also

• Enzyme
• Genetic Disorder
• Metabolism

This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.