Laktózszintetáz

Laktózszintetáz is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of lactose, commonly known as milk sugar. This enzyme is primarily found in the mammary glands of mammals. Its function is to catalyze the formation of lactose from its precursor molecules, UDP-galactose and glucose. The enzyme operates as a heterodimer, meaning it is composed of two distinct subunits. One subunit is known as alpha-lactalbumin, which is specific to mammary glands and acts as a regulatory protein. The other subunit is a galactosyltransferase, which is involved in the transfer of galactose. Alpha-lactalbumin modifies the substrate specificity of the galactosyltransferase, ensuring that galactose is preferentially transferred to glucose to form lactose rather than to other acceptors. This process is essential for the production of milk, which serves as a primary source of nutrition for newborn mammals. The activity of laktózszintetáz is regulated by various factors, including hormonal signals associated with lactation. Deficiencies or mutations in the laktózszintetáz enzyme can lead to reduced lactose production in milk.