This gene is one of seven beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase
(beta4GalT) genes. 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. By sequence similarity, the beta4GalTs
form four groups: beta4GalT1 and beta4GalT2, beta4GalT3 and
beta4GalT4, beta4GalT5 and beta4GalT6, and beta4GalT7. The enzyme
encoded by this gene appears to mainly play a role in glycolipid
biosynthesis. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants have
been found for this gene.
