alpha-sialidase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the hydrolysis of alpha-glycosidic linkages in oligo- or poly(sialic) acids. [GOC:mah]

Alpha-sialidase activity involves the hydrolysis of terminal sialic acid residues from glycoconjugates, such as glycoproteins and glycolipids. These enzymes, also known as neuraminidases, are crucial for various biological processes. They cleave the glycosidic linkage between the sialic acid and the adjacent sugar residue, releasing free sialic acid and modifying the structure of the glycoconjugate. This modification can have significant effects on cellular recognition, signal transduction, and the overall function of glycoconjugates. Alpha-sialidases are involved in processes like: 1) Cell adhesion and migration: by modulating the sialylation status of cell surface molecules, alpha-sialidases influence cell-cell interactions and migration. 2) Immune response: alpha-sialidases play a role in immune evasion by pathogens by removing sialic acid from host cell surfaces, hindering the recognition of pathogens by immune cells. 3) Development and differentiation: alpha-sialidases contribute to the development and differentiation of tissues and organs by altering the sialylation pattern of glycoconjugates, affecting cell signaling and differentiation pathways. 4) Viral infection: some viruses utilize alpha-sialidases to gain entry into host cells by cleaving sialic acid from cell surface receptors. 5) Metabolism: alpha-sialidases participate in the metabolism of sialic acid and its derivatives, contributing to the overall cellular homeostasis. Alpha-sialidase activity is highly regulated and specific, with different isoforms showing distinct substrate preferences and tissue distribution. This specificity allows for fine-tuning of sialylation patterns and the control of various biological processes.'
"

Proteins (2)

Compounds (9)