This gene encodes UDP-galactose-4-epimerase which catalyzes two distinct but analogous reactions: the epimerization of UDP-glucose to UDP-galactose, and the epimerization of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine to UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine. The bifunctional nature of the enzyme has the important metabolic consequence that mutant cells (or individuals) are dependent not only on exogenous galactose, but also on exogenous N-acetylgalactosamine as a necessary precursor for the synthesis of glycoproteins and glycolipids. Mutations in this gene result in epimerase-deficiency galactosemia, also referred to as galactosemia type 3, a disease characterized by liver damage, early-onset cataracts, deafness and mental retardation, with symptoms ranging from mild ('peripheral' form) to severe ('generalized' form). Multiple alternatively spliced transcripts encoding the same protein have been identified.
Categories
Primary Antibodies
Clonality
polyclonal
Description
Catalyzes two distinct but analogous reactions: the reversible epimerization of UDP-glucose to UDP-galactose and the reversible epimerization of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine to UDP-N- acetylgalactosamine. The reaction with UDP-Gal plays a critical role in the Leloir pathway of galactose catabolism in which galactose is converted to the glycolytic intermediate glucose 6- phosphate. It contributes to the catabolism of dietary galactose and enables the endogenous biosynthesis of both UDP-Gal and UDP- GalNAc when exogenous sources are limited. Both UDP-sugar interconversions are important in the synthesis of glycoproteins and glycolipids.
Host
Rabbit
Immunogen
UDP-galactose-4-epimerase
Isotype
IgG
Molecular Weight
36 kDa
Reactivity
Human, Mouse, Rat
Regulatory
RUO
Uniprot
Q14376
Gene Id
2582
Research Area
Metabolism
Form
liquid
Format
liquid
Purification
Immunogen affinity purified
Purity
>=95% as determined by SDS-PAGE
Storage
PBS with 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol pH 7.3, -20°C for 12 months (Avoid repeated freeze / thaw cycles.)