1-Thio-β-D-galactose, Sodium Salt (CAS 42891-22-5)

1-Thio-β-D-galactose, Sodium Salt, is a chemical compound that has garnered significant attention in biochemical and enzymological research due to its utility as a substrate analogue for studying the catalytic mechanisms of glycosyltransferases and glycosidases. Its structure resembles that of natural substrates, with a sulfur atom replacing the oxygen atom at the anomeric carbon of galactose, rendering it an excellent mimic for investigating the interactions between enzymes and their substrates. Researchers utilize this compound to probe the substrate specificity, enzyme kinetics, and catalytic mechanisms of various glycosyltransferases and glycosidases involved in carbohydrate biosynthesis and metabolism. By employing techniques such as enzyme kinetics assays, X-ray crystallography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, scientists can explain the precise binding interactions and conformational changes occurring during enzyme-substrate interactions. Moreover, 1-Thio-β-D-galactose, Sodium Salt, serves as a valuable tool in the development of glycosyltransferase inhibitors and modulators, contributing to the advancement of strategies targeting carbohydrate-related diseases. Its role in unraveling the intricacies of carbohydrate-active enzymes underscores its significance in biochemical and pharmaceutical research aimed at understanding and manipulating carbohydrate metabolism.