alpha -Galactosidase A is a homodimeric glycoprotein that can release terminal alpha -galactosyl moieties from glycolipids and glycoproteins and catalyze the hydrolysis of melibiose into galactose and glucose . It is a lysosomal enzyme and is responsible for degradation of glycolipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) (Gal alpha 1‑4Gal beta 1‑4Glc beta ‑ceramide). Mutations in this gene cause Fabry disease, an X-linked hereditary lysosomal storage disease with the accumulation of Gb3 in the walls of small blood vessels, nerves, dorsal root ganglia, renal glomerular and tubular epithelial cells, and cardiomyocytes.
