Glycoside hydrolasesEC3.2.1. are a widespread group of enzymes that hydrolyse the glycosidic bond between two or more carbohydrates, or between a carbohydrate and a non-carbohydrate moiety. A classification system for glycoside hydrolases, based on sequence similarity, has led to the definition of >100 different families.[1][2][3] This classification is available on the CAZy web site,[4][5] and also discussed at CAZypedia, an online encyclopedia of carbohydrate active enzymes.[6][7]
Glycoside hydrolase family 25 CAZY GH_25 comprises enzymes with only one known activity; lysozyme (EC3.2.1.17). It has been shown[8][9] that a number of cell-wall lytic enzymes are evolutionary related and can be classified into a single family. Two residues, an aspartate and a glutamate, have been shown[10] to be important for the catalytic activity of the Charalopsis enzyme. These residues as well as some others in their vicinity are conserved in all proteins from this family.
^Croux C, García JL (July 1991). "Sequence of the lyc gene encoding the autolytic lysozyme of Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC824: comparison with other lytic enzymes". Gene. 104 (1): 25–31. doi:10.1016/0378-1119(91)90460-S. PMID1916274.