Background of the antigen
CBG is a monomeric enzyme involved in the absorption and metabolism of flavonoid glucosides. CBG is found predominately in the liver, but is also located in tissues such as spleen, small intestine and kidney. Through its catalytic activity, CBG is able to hydrolyze a variety of glycosides including phytoestrogens, cyanogens, and flavonols. Although its catalytic activity extends to many dietary flavonoids, CBG has increased specificity for hydrophobic aglycones such as beta-D-glucoside and beta-D-galactoside. Hydrolysis is inhibited by sodium taurocholate and glucosyl-sphingosine, both of which regulate CBG enzymatic activity. Deficiencies in CBG have been implicated in Gaucher’s disease, a lysosomal storage disease that causes a build up of fatty material in the spleen, liver, lung and kidneys.
