From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Glycogen synthase (UDP-glucose-glycogen glucosyltransferase') is a glycosyltransferase enzyme (EC number 2.4.1) that catalyses the reaction of UDP-glucose and (1,4-α-D-glucosyl)n to yield UDP and (1,4-α-D-glucosyl)n+1.
In other words, this enzyme converts excess glucose residues one by one into a polymeric chain for storage as glycogen. Its presence in the bloodstream is highest in the 30 to 60 minutes following intense exercise. It is a key enzyme in glycogenesis.
[edit] Regulation
The reaction is highly regulated by allosteric effectors such as glucose-6-phosphate, by phosphorylation reactions, and indirectly triggered by the hormone insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas. Phosphorylation of glycogen synthase decreases its activity.
[edit] Pathology
A deficiency is associated with glycogen storage disease type 0.
[edit] References
