Molecular architecture and catalytic mechanism of human glycogen debranching enzyme.

ABSTRACT: Glycogen, a key branched glucose polymer, acts as a vital energy reservoir in mammalian cells, particularly during intense activity or fasting. The glycogen debranching enzyme (GDE) plays a key role in glycogen degradation by removing branches, ensuring efficient glucose release. Dysfunction of GDE leads to the accumulation of limit dextrin and is implicated in the pathogenesis of Glycogen Storage Disease Type III (GSD III). We present the cryo-EM structure of human GDE (hsGDE) at 3.23 Å resolution, providing molecular insights into its substrate selectivity and catalytic mechanism. Our study further investigates the molecular consequences of disease-associated mutations by correlating structural data with enzymatic activities of representative GSD III-causing variants. We discover that th

SUBMITTER: Guan H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12219210 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature