CAZyDatenbank

The CAZy database, short for Carbohydrate-Active enZymes database, is a comprehensive and publicly accessible resource dedicated to the classification and annotation of enzymes involved in the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates. It provides a structured and organized way to categorize these enzymes based on their sequence similarity and predicted functions. The database is curated by an international team of researchers and is regularly updated with new entries and refined annotations.

The primary aim of CAZy is to facilitate research in glycobiology, enzymology, and related fields by offering a standardized nomenclature and a searchable repository of enzyme information. It groups enzymes into families, where members within a family share conserved sequence motifs and are expected to catalyze similar reactions. This family-based approach simplifies the identification and characterization of carbohydrate-active enzymes from various organisms.

CAZy includes enzymes involved in a wide range of processes, such as the degradation of plant biomass (e.g., cellulases, xylanases), the modification of glycoproteins and glycolipids in cellular processes, and the metabolism of dietary carbohydrates. Each entry in the database typically contains information about the enzyme's family, its corresponding protein sequence, literature references, and known or predicted functional properties. Researchers can use CAZy to identify potential enzymes of interest, predict the function of newly discovered enzymes, and study the evolution of carbohydrate-acting enzymes. The database is an essential tool for anyone working with carbohydrates and their associated enzymes.