siaalidases

Sialidases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of sialic acid residues from glycoconjugates, such as glycoproteins and glycolipids. These enzymes play a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell-cell recognition, immune response, and viral infection. Sialidases are classified into two main categories: neuraminidases and sialidases. Neuraminidases are found in animals and some bacteria, while sialidases are primarily found in plants and fungi. Sialidases are involved in the degradation of sialic acid-containing molecules, which are essential for the functioning of the immune system and the regulation of cell signaling pathways. They are also used in various industrial applications, such as the production of sialic acid derivatives and the modification of glycoproteins for therapeutic purposes. The study of sialidases has gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential as therapeutic targets for various diseases, including cancer and viral infections.