6-α-D-Glucopyranosyl Maltotriose (CAS 34336-93-1)

6-α-D-Glucopyranosyl Maltotriose is a complex carbohydrate composed of four glucose units linked through α(1→4) and α(1→6) glycosidic bonds, providing a unique structure that serves as a valuable tool for studying carbohydrate metabolism. This oligosaccharide has been utilized in research focused on elucidating enzyme specificities, particularly in understanding the substrate recognition of amylases and glucosidases. The α(1→6) branching point mimics the branching found in glycogen and amylopectin, allowing researchers to probe the mechanistic actions of debranching enzymes such as isoamylase and pullulanase. By serving as a substrate in enzymatic assays, 6-α-D-Glucopyranosyl Maltotriose has helped identify and characterize the activities of carbohydrate-active enzymes involved in starch and glycogen metabolism. Furthermore, its structure has been essential for studying carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs), providing a reference molecule to assess CBM affinity and specificity. Studies have also used this compound to investigate the role of transport proteins in cellular uptake of branched oligosaccharides, shedding light on the mechanisms of glucose transport regulation. Overall, this oligosaccharide plays a crucial role in advancing the understanding of carbohydrate-active enzyme functions and offers a precise model for studying the complex pathways of glycogen and starch metabolism.