Alpha-1,3-Galactosyltransferase 2 (a3GALT2)

a3GALT2 is a type II transmembrane protein. It is essential for the synthesis of poly-N-acetyllactosamine, a determinant for the blood group i antigen.Transfer of galactose from UDP-galactose to an acceptor molecule (R). Synthesizes the galactose-alpha(1,3)-galactose group, which is the most common carbohydrate containing terminal alpha-galactose. Preferentially glycosylates lipids.In the adult, highly expressed in heart, brain, skeletal muscle and kidney and to a lesser extent in placenta, pancreas, spleen, prostate, testis, ovary, small intestine and colon. Very weak expression in lung, liver, thymus and peripheral blood leukocytes. In fetal highly expressed in brain and kidney and to a lesser extent in lung and liver.