Human Beta-Hexosaminidase Subunit Alpha (HEXA) Protein

Background

HEXA is the alpha subunit of the beta-hexosaminidase enzyme, a lysosomal hydrolase that catalyzes the breakdown of GM2 gangliosides into GM3 in the process of glycosphingolipid degradation The enzyme functions as a heterodimer composed of alpha and beta subunits, encoded by the HEXA and HEXB genes respectively Mutations in HEXA lead to Tay-Sachs disease, an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the accumulation of GM2 gangliosides in neuronal cells, resulting in neurodegeneration, progressive motor weakness, and developmental delay HEXA is highly active in neuronal tissues where glycosphingolipid metabolism is critical for normal brain function The absence or dysfunction of HEXA causes a loss of enzymatic activity leading to cellular toxicity and apoptosis Current therapeutic approaches include enzyme replacement therapy, substrate reduction therapy, and gene therapy to restore HEXA activity and slow disease progression