Category: Database: Enzyme

Helicases are ATP-dependent molecular machines that unwind and remodel DNA and RNA. Explore their functions in DNA replication, repair, recombination, transcription, RNA metabolism, genetics, disease, and biotechnology.

Ligases are enzymes that join DNA, RNA, and other biological molecules by forming new chemical bonds. Explore their roles in DNA replication, repair, recombination, genetics, molecular cloning, diagnostics, and biotechnology.

The glycogen branching enzyme, encoded by the GBE1 gene, is essential for producing the highly branched structure of glycogen. It creates α-1,6 glycosidic linkages between glucose chains, working together with glycogenin and glycogen synthase during glycogenesis. Proper glycogen branching allows efficient glucose storage and mobilization in the liver and skeletal muscle. Defects in GBE1 can cause glycogen storage disease type IV, highlighting the importance of glycogen structure in normal metabolism.