ST3GAL4
Description
The ST3GAL4 (ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 11.
CMP-N-acetylneuraminate-beta-galactosamide-alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ST3GAL4 gene.
ST3GAL4 encodes a beta-galactoside alpha2-3 sialyltransferase that plays a crucial role in terminal sialylation of glycoproteins and glycolipids. This enzyme catalyzes the transfer of sialic acid (N-acetyl-neuraminic acid; Neu5Ac) from CMP-Neu5Ac to Galbeta-(1->3)-GalNAc- and Galbeta-(1->4)-GlcNAc-terminated glycoconjugates, forming an alpha2-3 linkage. ST3GAL4 is essential for hemostasis, regulating the sialylation of plasma VWF/von Willebrand factor to prevent its clearance by asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPR). It also regulates ASGPR-mediated platelet clearance. ST3GAL4 participates in the biosynthesis of sialyl Lewis X epitopes, essential for selectin-mediated rolling and adhesion of leukocytes during extravasation. This enzyme contributes to neutrophil adhesion and transendothelial migration through sialylation of CXCR2. In glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, ST3GAL4 sialylates GM1 and GA1 gangliosides, forming GD1a and GM1b, respectively. It also metabolizes brain c-series ganglioside GT1c, forming GQ1c. Additionally, ST3GAL4 synthesizes ganglioside LM1, a key structural component of peripheral nerve myelin.
ST3GAL4 is also known as CGS23, NANTA3, SAT3, SIAT4, SIAT4C, ST-4, ST3GalA.2, ST3GalIV, STZ, gal-NAc6S.
