This domain belongs to family 53 of the glycosyl hydrolase classification [1]. These enzymes are enzymes are endo-1,4- beta-galactanases (EC:3.2.1.89). The structure of this domain is known [2] and has a TIM barrel fold.
Asperfillus aculeatus beta-1,4-Galactanase (AAGAL) is an enzyme involved in pectin degradation. It belongs to the glycoside hydrolase family 53 (GH-53) in clan GH-A. It catalyses the endohydrolysis of beta-1,4-linked galactan and type I arabinogalactan to galactose and galactose oligomers.
Galactan and arabinogalactan are components of pectin which attaches to the C4 position of rhamnose. They forms the side-chains of the 'hairy' region of pectin. Degradation and modification of the galatan and arabinogalactan side chain has many industrial applications, so AAGAL has potential industrial uses.
