This enzyme catalyses one of the steps in the anhydrofructose pathway, which leads to the degradation of glycogen and starch via 1,5-anhydro-D-fructose [1,2]. The other enzymes involved in this pathway are EC 4.2.1.110 (aldos-2-ulose dehydratase), EC 4.2.2.13 [exo-(1->4)-alpha-D-glucan lyase] and EC 5.3.2.7 (ascopyrone tautomerase). Requires divalent (Ca2+ or Mg2+) or monovalent cations (Na+) for optimal activity. Unlike EC 4.2.1.110, the enzyme is specific for 1,5-anhydro-D-fructose as substrate and shows no activity towards aldose-2-uloses such as 2-dehydroglucose [1,2,3]. In addition, it is inhibited by its end-product ascopyrone M [2] and it cannot convert ascopyrone M into microthecin, as can EC 4.2.1.110.
Enzymatic description of the anhydrofructose pathway of glycogen degradation; I. Identification and purification of anhydrofructose dehydratase, ascopyrone tautomerase and alpha-1,4-glucan lyase in the fungus Anthracobia melaloma.
Enzymatic description of the anhydrofructose pathway of glycogen degradation II. Gene identification and characterization of the reactions catalyzed by aldos-2-ulose dehydratase that converts 1,5-anhydro-D-fructose to microthecin with ascopyrone M as the intermediate.
