Target type: molecularfunction
Catalysis of the reaction: an alpha-L-fucoside + H2O = an alcohol + L-fucose. [EC:3.2.1.51]
Alpha-L-fucosidase activity refers to the enzymatic hydrolysis of alpha-L-fucosidic linkages in various substrates. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the breakdown of fucose-containing glycoconjugates, which are complex carbohydrates found on the surface of cells and in the extracellular matrix. Specifically, alpha-L-fucosidase cleaves the alpha-1,2, alpha-1,3, alpha-1,4, and alpha-1,6 linkages between fucose and other sugar residues within these glycoconjugates. The enzyme's activity is essential for various cellular processes, including:
* **Glycan biosynthesis and remodeling:** Alpha-L-fucosidase participates in the synthesis and modification of glycoconjugates, influencing their structure and function. This activity is involved in the formation of specific glycoproteins and glycolipids that are critical for cell signaling, adhesion, and recognition.
* **Lysosomal degradation:** Within lysosomes, the primary degradative organelles of the cell, alpha-L-fucosidase plays a key role in the breakdown of fucose-containing glycoconjugates. This degradation process is essential for recycling cellular components and maintaining cellular homeostasis.
* **Immune function:** Fucose residues on glycoproteins and glycolipids can serve as recognition sites for immune cells. Alpha-L-fucosidase activity is involved in modulating the expression of these fucose-containing structures, thereby influencing immune responses.
* **Developmental processes:** Alpha-L-fucosidase is implicated in various developmental processes, including the formation of the nervous system, the development of blood vessels, and the maturation of the immune system.
* **Disease pathogenesis:** Deficiencies in alpha-L-fucosidase activity can lead to several lysosomal storage disorders, including fucosidosis, a genetic condition characterized by the accumulation of fucose-containing molecules in various tissues. These disorders can manifest with a wide range of clinical symptoms, depending on the severity of the deficiency.'
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| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue alpha-L-fucosidase | A tissue alpha-L-fucosidase that is encoded in the genome of cow. [OMA:Q2KIM0, PRO:DNx] | Bos taurus (cattle) |
| Tissue alpha-L-fucosidase | A tissue alpha-L-fucosidase that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P04066] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| emodin | emodin : A trihydroxyanthraquinone that is 9,10-anthraquinone which is substituted by hydroxy groups at positions 1, 3, and 8 and by a methyl group at position 6. It is present in the roots and barks of numerous plants (particularly rhubarb and buckthorn), moulds, and lichens. It is an active ingredient of various Chinese herbs. Emodin: Purgative anthraquinone found in several plants, especially RHAMNUS PURSHIANA. It was formerly used as a laxative, but is now used mainly as a tool in toxicity studies. | trihydroxyanthraquinone | antineoplastic agent; laxative; plant metabolite; tyrosine kinase inhibitor |
| rhein | dihydroxyanthraquinone | ||
| aloe emodin | Aloe emodin : A dihydroxyanthraquinone that is chrysazin carrying a hydroxymethyl group at position 3. It has been isolated from plant species of the genus Aloe. aloe emodin: structure distinct from emodin; this does not mean emodin from aloe | aromatic primary alcohol; dihydroxyanthraquinone | antineoplastic agent; plant metabolite |
| 4-chromone | 4-chromone: structure given in first source chromone : The simplest member of the class of chromones that is 4H-chromene with an oxo group at position 4. | chromones; enone | |
| physcione | physcion : A dihydroxyanthraquinone that is 9,10-anthraquinone bearing hydroxy substituents at positions 1 and 8, a methoxy group at position 3, and a methyl group at position 6. It has been widely isolated and characterised from both terrestrial and marine sources. physcione: structure | dihydroxyanthraquinone | anti-inflammatory agent; antibacterial agent; antifungal agent; antineoplastic agent; apoptosis inducer; hepatoprotective agent; metabolite |
| besipirdine | besipirdine: structure given in first source; a non-receptor-dependent cholinomimetic agent with noradrenergic activity with potential use for treating Alzheimer's disease | ||
| 1-deoxymannojirimycin | |||
| deoxyfuconojirimycin | deoxyfuconojirimycin : A hydroxypiperidine in which the three hydroxy substituents are located at positions 3, 4 and 5 together with an additional methyl substituent at position 2. deoxyfuconojirimycin: structure given in first source | hydroxypiperidine; triol | fungal metabolite |
| genistein | 7-hydroxyisoflavones | antineoplastic agent; EC 5.99.1.3 [DNA topoisomerase (ATP-hydrolysing)] inhibitor; geroprotector; human urinary metabolite; phytoestrogen; plant metabolite; tyrosine kinase inhibitor | |
| butylidenephthalide | (Z)-3-butylidenephthalide : A gamma-lactone that is phthalide substituted by a butylidene group at position 3. Isolated from Ligusticum porteri, it exhibits hypoglycemic activity. butylidenephthalide: structure in first source | isobenzofuranone | |
| casuarine | casuarine: structure in first source; do not confuse with tannin casuariin | ||
| papyriflavonol a | papyriflavonol A : A pentahydroxyflavone that is flavone substituted with hydroxy groups at positions 3, 5, 7, 3' and 4' and prenyl groups at positions 6 and 5'. Isolated from Broussonetia papyrifera, it exhibits inhibitory activity against phospholipase A2 and tyrosinase. papyriflavonol A: isolated from Broussonetia papyrifera; structure in first source | 3'-hydroxyflavonoid; flavonols; pentahydroxyflavone | EC 1.14.18.1 (tyrosinase) inhibitor; EC 3.1.1.4 (phospholipase A2) inhibitor; metabolite |