The GALE gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called UDP-galactose-4-epimerase. This enzyme enables the body to process a simple sugar called galactose, which is present in small amounts in many foods. Galactose is primarily part of a larger sugar called lactose, which is found in all dairy products and many baby formulas.
UDP-galactose-4-epimerase converts a modified form of galactose (UDP-galactose) to another modified sugar (UDP-glucose). Glucose is a simple sugar that is the main energy source for most cells. This enzyme also promotes the reverse chemical reaction, the conversion of UDP-glucose to UDP-galactose. UDP-galactose is used to build galactose-containing proteins and fats, which play critical roles in chemical signaling, building cellular structures, transporting molecules, and producing energy.
Other Names
galactowaldenase; GALE_HUMAN; SDR1E1; UDP – Uridyl diphosphate galactose-4-epimerase; UDP Galactose Epimerase; UDP-Glucose 4-Epimerase; Uridine diphosphate galactose-4-epimerase; Uridine Diphosphate Glucose Epimerase
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 2582
- OMIM: 606953
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
