Hydrolases

Hydrolases are enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis reactions, breaking down complex compounds into simpler ones with the involvement of water.

They play a key role in digestion, the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as in detoxification processes.

Due to their versatility, hydrolases are important regulators of metabolism and targets for medical research.

General Characteristics and Classification

Hydrolases facilitate the breakdown of macromolecules into simple components necessary for their absorption and further use by the organism.

Classification is based on the type of substrate:

• proteases – break down proteins into amino acids;
• glycosidases – break down carbohydrates into simple sugars;
• lipases – break down fats into glycerol and fatty acids;
• esterases – act on complex esters and lipid compounds.

Mechanisms of Action and Role in Metabolism

The principle of hydrolases’ action is based on the breaking of chemical bonds with the involvement of a water molecule. This allows:

• to digest food and obtain absorbable nutrients;
• to participate in energy metabolism (for example, amylase hydrolyzes starch into glucose);
• to ensure detoxification of the body by breaking down toxic compounds and medications.

Examples and Biological Significance

Lipases. They break down triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids, facilitating the absorption of fats and their use as an energy source.

Proteases. Pepsin and trypsin break down protein molecules into amino acids necessary for protein and enzyme synthesis.

Glycosidases. They facilitate the breakdown of starch, sucrose, and other carbohydrates into glucose, maintaining blood sugar levels and energy balance.

Regulation of Activity

The activity of hydrolases is regulated by numerous factors:

• allosteric regulation – the binding of signaling molecules alters enzyme activity;
• hormonal influence – insulin and glucagon control carbohydrate metabolism enzymes;
• substrate level – an excess of substrate increases enzyme activity;
• post-translational modifications (phosphorylation, glycosylation) change activity.

Pathologies Due to Dysfunction

A deficiency or excess of hydrolase activity leads to a number of diseases:

• glycogenosis – hereditary defects in glycogen breakdown enzymes cause its accumulation in tissues, hypoglycemia, and muscle weakness;
• lactase deficiency – a lack of lactase leads to lactose intolerance;
• celiac disease – damage to the intestinal mucosa due to gluten intolerance is associated with disturbances in enzymatic processes;
• phenylketonuria – a deficiency of the enzyme leads to the accumulation of phenylalanine and damage to the nervous system.

Thus, hydrolases play a key role in metabolism, and disturbances in their activity can lead to serious diseases.

The study of these enzymes opens up opportunities for the diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of pathologies related to metabolic disorders.