GALK2
Description
The GALK2 (galactokinase 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 15.
GALK2 is a gene that encodes for an enzyme known as N-acetylgalactosamine kinase, GalNAc kinase, or Galactokinase 2.
This enzyme primarily utilizes N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) as a substrate. However, in the presence of high galactose concentrations, it can also function as a galactokinase. This suggests a potential role in a salvage pathway for recycling free GalNAc, which is released during the breakdown of complex carbohydrates.
GALK2 is also known as GK2.
Associated Diseases
- multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson disease
- Alzheimer disease
- lysosomal storage disease
- retinitis pigmentosa
- nontoxic goiter
- birdshot chorioretinopathy
- exudative vitreoretinopathy 2, X-linked