Page last updated: 2024-10-24

lactose catabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the breakdown of lactose, the disaccharide galactopyranosyl-glucose. [GOC:go_curators]

Lactose catabolism is a complex process that breaks down lactose, a disaccharide found in milk, into simpler sugars that can be absorbed by the body. This process is initiated by the enzyme lactase, which is produced in the small intestine. Lactase breaks the glycosidic bond between glucose and galactose, the two monosaccharides that make up lactose. This hydrolysis reaction produces glucose and galactose, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. In the absence of lactase, lactose cannot be digested properly, leading to lactose intolerance. Undigested lactose passes into the large intestine, where bacteria ferment it, producing gas and causing bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Lactose catabolism is an essential process for infants and young children, who rely on milk as their primary source of nutrition. However, as individuals age, the production of lactase may decline, leading to a decrease in the ability to digest lactose. This is known as lactose intolerance, which affects a significant portion of the world's population. The catabolism of lactose is a crucial step in the utilization of milk as a nutrient source and plays a vital role in the overall health and well-being of individuals.'
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Proteins (3)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Beta-galactosidaseA bacterial-type beta-galactosidase that is encoded in the genome of Escherichia coli K-12. [PRO:DAN, UniProtKB:P00722]Escherichia coli K-12
Beta-galactosidaseA bacterial-type beta-galactosidase that is encoded in the genome of Escherichia coli K-12. [PRO:DAN, UniProtKB:P00722]Escherichia coli K-12
Lactase-phlorizin hydrolaseA lactase/phlorizin hydrolase that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P09848]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (8)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
1-deoxynojirimycin1-deoxy-nojirimycin: structure in first source

duvoglustat : An optically active form of 2-(hydroxymethyl)piperidine-3,4,5-triol having 2R,3R,4R,5S-configuration.
2-(hydroxymethyl)piperidine-3,4,5-triol;
piperidine alkaloid
anti-HIV agent;
anti-obesity agent;
bacterial metabolite;
EC 3.2.1.20 (alpha-glucosidase) inhibitor;
hepatoprotective agent;
hypoglycemic agent;
plant metabolite
miglustatmiglustat : A hydroxypiperidine that is deoxynojirimycin in which the amino hydrogen is replaced by a butyl group.

miglustat: a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor
piperidines;
tertiary amino compound
anti-HIV agent;
EC 2.4.1.80 (ceramide glucosyltransferase) inhibitor
1,4-dideoxy-1,4-iminoarabinitol1,4-dideoxy-1,4-iminoarabinitol: RN given refers to (2S-(2alpha,3beta,4alpha))-isomer; structure given in first source
migalastatmigalastat: a potent inhibitor of glycolipid biosynthesispiperidines
miglitolpiperidines
isopropyl thiogalactosideisopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside : An S-glycosyl compound consisting of beta-D-1-thiogalactose having an isopropyl group attached to the anomeric sulfur.

Isopropyl Thiogalactoside: A non-metabolizable galactose analog that induces expression of the LAC OPERON.
S-glycosyl compound
n-(5-adamantane-1-yl-methoxy-pentyl)deoxynojirimycin
l-altro-1-deoxynojirimycinL-altro-1-deoxynojirimycin: structure in first source