Globoside Alpha-1,3-N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1 (GBGT1)

GBGT1 protein plays a role in synthesizing Forssman glycolipid (FG), a member of the globoseries glycolipid family. Human cells do not normally produce FG but produce the precursor glycolipids globotriaosylceramide and globoside. This protein may be involved in the tropism and binding of pathogenic organisms.

Human FS shares 83% amino acid identity with the canine FS protein. It also shares sequence homology with alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase and ABO transferase. RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis detected broad expression of a 2.2-kb FS transcript, with highest levels in placenta, ovary, and peripheral blood leukocyte, and lowest levels in liver, thymus, and testis; 3.2- and 8.0-kb transcripts were present in some tissues.