InterPro domain: IPR027291

O-Glycosyl hydrolases ( 3.2.1. ) 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 glycosyl hydrolases, based on sequence similarity, has led to the definition of 85 different families [ 1 , 2 ]. This classification is available on the CAZy (CArbohydrate-Active EnZymes) website.

Glycoside hydrolase family 38 GH38 comprises enzymes with only one known activity; alpha-mannosidase ( 3.2.1.24 ) ( 3.2.1.114 ).

Lysosomal alpha-mannosidase is necessary for the catabolism of N-linked carbohydrates released during glycoprotein turnover. The enzyme catalyses the hydrolysis of terminal, non-reducing alpha-D-mannose residues in alpha-D-mannosides, and can cleave all known types of alpha-mannosidic linkages. Defects in the gene cause lysosomal alpha-mannosidosis (AM), a lysosomal storage disease characterised by the accumulation of unbranched oligo-saccharide chains.

This superfamily represents a structural domain found in glycoside hydrolase families 38 ( GH38 , e.g. alpha-mannosidase) [ 3 ].

1. Conserved catalytic machinery and the prediction of a common fold for several families of glycosyl hydrolases. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 92, 7090-4
2. Structures and mechanisms of glycosyl hydrolases. Structure 3, 853-9
3. Insights into the mechanism of Drosophila melanogaster Golgi alpha-mannosidase II through the structural analysis of covalent reaction intermediates. J. Biol. Chem. 278, 48074-83