Background：

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.