β3Gn-T2 Background Information
A family of human beta 1,3-galactosyltransferases (∫3Gn-Ts) consists of nine members (∫3Gn-T1, -T2, -T3, -T4, -T5, -T6, -T7, -T8 and -T9). ∫3Gn-T1 catalyzes the formation of type 1 oligosaccharides. ∫3GnT-2 converts lacto-N-triose II into lacto-N-tetraose and lacto-N-neotetraose and can form a heterodimer with ∫3Gn-T8, which, as a complex, exhibits higher enzymatic activity. Unlike the ubiquitously expressed ∫3Gn-T2, ∫3Gn-T3 is specifically expressed in colon, jejunum, stomach, esophagus, placenta and trachea, and ∫3Gn-T4 is mainly expressed in brain. ∫3Gn-T5 is essential for the biosynthesis of Lewis antigens and may play a role in gastric cancer as a result of its participation in chronic H. pylori infection. ∫3Gn-T6 may be a useful marker for distinguishing between benign adenomas and premalignant lesions. ∫3Gn-T7 acts as an anti-migration factor for a lung cancer cell line.
