The GALT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase. 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.
Galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase is responsible for one step in a chemical process that breaks down galactose into other molecules that can be used by the body. Specifically, this enzyme converts a modified form of galactose (galactose-1-phosphate) to glucose, which is another simple sugar. Glucose is the main energy source for most cells. This chemical reaction also produces another form of galactose (UDP-galactose) that is used to build galactose-containing proteins and fats. These modified proteins and fats play critical roles in chemical signaling, building cellular structures, transporting molecules, and producing energy.
Other Names
Gal-1-P uridylyltransferase; Galactosephosphate Uridylyltransferase; GALT_HUMAN; UDP Galactose Pyrophosphorylase; UTP-Hexose-1-Phosphate Uridylyltransferase; UTP:alpha-D-hexose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 2592
- OMIM: 606999
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
