Beta-1,3-N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase 7 (b3GNT7)

A possible human ortholog was identified and its chromosomal locus was determined to be 2q37.1. In the mouse, beta3GnT7 was most strongly expressed in the placenta and colon. Moderate amounts of mRNA were detected in the lung, stomach, small intestine, and kidney. The expression of beta3GnT7 was very weak in the cerebrum, cerebellum, heart, and testis. Transfection of the antisense oligonucleotide significantly enhanced the motility of a lung cancer cell line (KLN205-MUC1) in a monolayer compared to the controls. Furthermore, the antisense oligonucleotide increased the number of cells that invaded the matrix-coated membrane in an in vitro invasion model. beta3GnT7 may play a role in preventing cells from migrating out of the original tissues and invading surrounding tissues.