beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases

**Definition:** A hexosaminidase specific for non-reducing N-acetyl-D-hexosamine residues in N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminides. It acts on GLUCOSIDES; GALACTOSIDES; and several OLIGOSACCHARIDES. Two specific mammalian isoenzymes of beta-N-acetylhexoaminidase are referred to as HEXOSAMINIDASE A and HEXOSAMINIDASE B. Deficiency of the type A isoenzyme causes TAY-SACHS DISEASE, while deficiency of both A and B isozymes causes SANDHOFF DISEASE. The enzyme has also been used as a tumor marker to distinguish between malignant and benign disease.

**Tree numbers:** - D08.811.277.450.483.180

**Synonyms:** - N-Acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase - beta-Hexosaminidase - beta-N-Acetyl-D-hexosaminidase - beta-N-Acetyl-hexosaminidase - beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidase