B4GALT3
Description
The B4GALT3 (beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase 3) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
The B4GALT3 gene encodes beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase 3, one of seven known beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase (beta4GalT) enzymes. These enzymes are type II membrane-bound glycoproteins that specifically transfer galactose in a beta1,4 linkage to acceptor sugars like GlcNAc, Glc, and Xyl. Each beta4GalT has a unique function in the biosynthesis of different glycoconjugates and saccharide structures. B4GALT3, in particular, is thought to be primarily involved in the synthesis of the first N-acetyllactosamine unit of poly-N-acetyllactosamine chains. As a type II membrane protein, B4GALT3 possesses an N-terminal hydrophobic signal sequence that directs it to the Golgi apparatus, where it remains uncleaved and functions as a transmembrane anchor. Based on sequence similarity, beta4GalTs are categorized into four groups: beta4GalT1 and beta4GalT2, beta4GalT3 and beta4GalT4, beta4GalT5 and beta4GalT6, and beta4GalT7.
B4GALT3 is also known as beta4Gal-T3.
