Glycoside hydrolase family 59

In molecular biology, glycoside hydrolase family 59 is a family of glycoside hydrolases.

Glycoside hydrolases are a widespread group of enzymes that hydrolyse the glycosidic bond between two or more carbohydrates, or between a carbohydrate and a non-carbohydrate moiety. A classification system for glycoside hydrolases, based on sequence similarity, has led to the definition of >100 different families. This classification is available on the CAZy web site, and also discussed at CAZypedia, an online encyclopedia of carbohydrate active enzymes.

Glycoside hydrolase family 59 CAZY GH_59 comprises enzymes with only one known activity; galactocerebrosidase. Globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe disease) is a severe, autosomal recessive disorder that results from deficiency of galactocerebrosidase (GALC) activity. GALC is responsible for the lysosomal catabolism of certain galactolipids, including galactosylceramide and psychosine.