The LCT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called lactase. This enzyme helps to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and several other dairy products.
Lactase is produced by some of the cells that line the walls of the small intestine. These cells, called intestinal epithelial cells, have small, finger-like projections called microvilli. As food passes through the intestine, the microvilli collect nutrients so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Groups of these microvilli are known collectively as the brush border. Lactase functions at the brush border to break down lactose into smaller sugars called glucose and galactose for absorption.
Other Names
LAC; lactase-glycosylceramidase; lactase-phlorizin hydrolase; lactase-phlorizin hydrolase preproprotein; lactase-phlorizin hydrolase-1; LPH; LPH1; LPH_HUMAN
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 3938
- OMIM: 603202
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
