ST3GAL3

ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 3, also known as ST3GAL3, is a is_associated_with::protein which in humans is encoded by the ST3GAL3 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
The protein encoded by this gene is a type II membrane protein that catalyzes the transfer of is_associated_with::sialic acid from CMP-sialic acid to is_associated_with::galactose-containing substrates. The encoded protein is normally found in the is_associated_with::Golgi apparatus but can be proteolytically processed to a soluble form. This protein is a member of is_associated_with::glycosyltransferase family 29. Multiple transcript variants encoding several different isoforms have been found for this gene.

Interestingly, mutations in the ST3GAL3 gene was recently shown to be the cause of autosomal recessive mental retardation 12. Since the mutations disrupt a glycosylation pathway, this disorder may be considererd a is_associated_with::congenital disorder of glycosylation.