Creative Enzymes provides the most precise activity measurement for lactosylceramide 4-alpha-galactosyltransferase to the customers. We are a group of brilliant scientists who have been working on enzyme activity assays for many years. Our unique advantage in chromatographic analysis allows us to surpass our competitors and assures the reliability of the test results.

Lactosylceramide 4-alpha-galactosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.228) is a glycosyltransferase that plays a central role in the synthesis of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3/CD77) from lactosylceramide (LacCer). This enzyme belongs to the family of glycosyltransferases, specifically the hexosyltransferases. This enzyme is involved in glycosphingolipid biosynthesis - lacto and neo lacto series, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis - globo and iso globo series, and other metabolic pathways.

Gb3/CD77 has been characterized as a Pk blood group antigen and has also been referred to as Burkitt lymphoma-associated antigen. It also plays an important role in the apoptosis of immature B cells. A unique aspect of Gb3/CD77 is its role as the receptor for bacterial toxins produced by Escherichia coli O157 strain, also referred to as the Shiga-like toxin (Stx) or verotoxin (VT). VT-producing E. coli are considered to be causative agents of hemorrhagic colitis, and infections have often been associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), characterized with acute renal failure, thrombocytopenia, and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. HUS is also frequently related to disruption of the central nervous system and can be lethal. Moreover, Gb3/CD77 was reported to bind specifically to the β-subunit of VT’s. Consequently, the tissue damage by VT’s is considered to depend on Gb3 expression in individual tissues. Gb3 is synthesized by lactosylceramide 4-alpha-galactosyltransferase, and lactosylceramide 4-alpha-galactosyltransferase-deficient mice show loss of sensitivity to Stx, indicating that the expression of this enzyme is crucial for the pathogenesis of Stx. It can be seen that lactosylceramide 4-alpha-galactosyltransferase attracts more interests in pathological and medical research. Therefore, understanding the catalytic activity of this enzyme is of fundamental importance and would also shed light on the treatment for Shiga toxin-mediated diseases.

By constantly striving for products of utmost quality, Creative Enzymes has earned the trust of countless customers and is proud to offer highly sophisticated research services. Lactosylceramide 4-alpha-galactosyltransferase activity is determined by chromatographic assays using LacCer as an acceptor. To better serve your demands, we encourage you to share the research goal and requirement in details. Creative Enzymes will be your best choice during development of products containing lactosylceramide 4-alpha-galactosyltransferase.

Figure: The crystal structure of human lactosylceramide 4-alpha-galactosyltransferase.
UniProt: Q9NPC4