ST3GAL5 : ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 5
Description
The ST3GAL5 (ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 5) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 2.
The ST3GAL5 gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called GM3 synthase. This enzyme carries out a chemical reaction that is the first step in the production of certain fatty molecules (lipids) called gangliosides. Specifically, GM3 synthase converts a molecule called lactosylceramide to a simple ganglioside called GM3. Further reactions use GM3 to create more complex gangliosides. Gangliosides are present on the surface of cells and tissues throughout the body, and they are particularly abundant in the nervous system. Although their exact functions are unclear, studies suggest that these molecules help regulate chemical signaling pathways that influence cell growth and division (proliferation), cell movement (motility), the attachment of cells to one another (adhesion), and cell survival. Gangliosides appear to be important for normal brain development and function.
ST3GAL5 catalyzes the transfer of the sialyl group (N-acetyl-alpha-neuraminyl or NeuAc) from CMP-NeuAc to the non-reducing terminal galactose (Gal) of glycosphingolipids forming gangliosides, which are critical for various cellular processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, embryogenesis, development, and oncogenesis. It is primarily involved in the biosynthesis of ganglioside GM3 but can also use alternative glycolipids like D-galactosylceramide (GalCer), asialo-GM2 (GA2), and asialo-GM1 (GA1) as substrates, albeit with less preference compared to beta-D-Gal-(1->4)-beta-D-Glc-(1<->1)-Cer (LacCer).
ST3GAL5 is also known as SATI, SIAT9, SIATGM3S, SPDRS, ST3Gal V, ST3GalV.
