GAA: Key Enzyme in Carb Metabolism and Immune System (G2548)

Target Name: GAA

NCBI ID: G2548

GAA: Key Enzyme in Carb Metabolism and Immune System

GAA (acid maltase) is a protein that is expressed in various tissues of the body, including muscle, pancreas, and salivary glands. It is a key enzyme in the metabolism of carbohydrates, breaking down them into simpler sugars that can be utilized by the body for energy.

GAA is a member of the glycoside hydrolase family 11 (GH11) and is responsible for breaking down the disaccharide maltose. Maltose is a simple sugar that is commonly found in cereal grains, legumes, and some fruits. When consumed, maltose is quickly broken down by GAA into the simpler sugar glucose.

GAA is not only involved in carbohydrate metabolism, but it also plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is a known immune-modulatory protein and has been shown to regulate the activity of various immune cells, including natural killer cells and T-cells.

GAA is also a potential drug target and biomarker. Researchers are currently exploring the use of GAA as a new treatment option for various diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

One of the main advantages of GAA as a drug target is its ability to modulate the activity of other genes. GAA has been shown to interact with a wide range of molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and signaling pathways. This makes it an attractive target for researchers to explore new therapeutic approaches.

In addition to its potential as a drug, GAA is also being investigated as a biomarker for various diseases. The breakdown of maltose by GAA is a critical step in the metabolism of many diseases, including diabetes and cancer. Therefore, changes in GAA activity levels could be an important indicator of these diseases.

GAA is also being studied as a potential biomarker for neurodegenerative disorders. The breakdown of maltose by GAA has been shown to be affected in various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Therefore, researchers are exploring the use of GAA as a potential diagnostic or therapeutic target in these disorders.

In conclusion, GAA is a protein that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and the immune system. Its potential as a drug target and biomarker make it an attractive target for researchers to explore new therapeutic approaches. Further studies are needed to fully understand the role of GAA in disease and to develop new treatments based on its properties.

Protein Name: Alpha Glucosidase

Functions: Essential for the degradation of glycogen in lysosomes (PubMed:1856189, PubMed:7717400, PubMed:14695532, PubMed:18429042). Has highest activity on alpha-1,4-linked glycosidic linkages, but can also hydrolyze alpha-1,6-linked glucans (PubMed:29061980)

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