B4GALT6 (Gene)

This gene is one of seven beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase (beta4GalT) genes in human. They encode type II membrane-bound glycoproteins that appear to have exclusive specificity for the donor substrate UDP-galactose; all transfer galactose in a beta1,4 linkage to similar acceptor sugars: GlcNAc, Glc, and Xyl. Each beta4GalT has a distinct function in the biosynthesis of different glycoconjugates and saccharide structures. As type II membrane proteins, they have an N-terminal hydrophobic signal sequence that directs the protein to the Golgi apparatus and which then remains uncleaved to function as a transmembrane anchor. This gene produces multiple protein isoforms - some of which are predicted to lack the N-terminal hydrophobic signal sequence and transmembrane domain. By sequence similarity, the beta4GalTs form four groups: beta4GalT1 and beta4GalT2, beta4GalT3 and beta4GalT4, beta4GalT5 and beta4GalT6, and beta4GalT7. The canonical enzyme encoded by this gene is a lactosylceramide synthase important for glycolipid biosynthesis. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2020]