What is n-acetyl-glucosaminidase?

N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-glucosamine (GlcNAc) residues from chitin, and other glycosides. It is widely distributed in various organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals.

In humans, NAG is found in lysosomes and renal tubular cells, and its activity level in the urine is commonly used as a biomarker of renal injury. Elevated levels of NAG in urine have been associated with several renal diseases, including glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, interstitial nephritis, and tubular necrosis.

In addition to its role in renal function, NAG has been implicated in several other biological processes, including the development and remodeling of chitin-containing structures, such as the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi. It is also involved in the degradation of mucopolysaccharides and the production of some glycoproteins.

Overall, NAG is a versatile enzyme with diverse functions and applications in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.