Enzyme (specifically a sialyltransferase, EC 2.4.99.4), Glycosyltransferase (Family GT29), Type II transmembrane glycoprotein
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Overview
ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 1 (ST3GAL1) is a key glycosyltransferase enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of sialic acid in an α2,3 linkage onto galactose residues of O-glycans, specifically forming sialoglycan structures on glycoproteins and glycolipids[1][3][5]. This modification has wide-ranging effects on cellular recognition, migration, and immune modulation. ST3GAL1 expression is tightly regulated in hematopoietic differentiation and is upregulated in several cancers, including ovarian cancer where it contributes to cell migration, invasion, and resistance to chemotherapy (e.g., paclitaxel)[2][4]. Functional disruption of ST3GAL1 alters cell surface glycosylation, thereby influencing biological processes like immune cell contraction, dendritic cell function, and platelet formation. Variants in ST3GAL1 are also implicated in neuropsychiatric and inflammatory conditions[1][5]. As both a molecular biomarker and potential therapeutic target, ST3GAL1 represents an important locus for drug development and disease monitoring.
Other names
CMP-N-acetylneuraminate-beta-galactosamide-alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 1SIAT4SIAT4AAlpha 2,3-ST 1Beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 1ST3GalISIAT4-AST3OSIATFLST3GalA.1Gal-NAc6SGal-beta-1,3-GalNAc-alpha-2,3-sialyltransferaseMonosialoganglioside sialyltransferaseSialyltransferase 4AST3Gal IA
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Mechanism of action
Inhibition of ST3GAL1 reduces sialylation, disrupting glycan structures that support cancer cell migration and chemoresistance.
Modulation of ST3GAL1 may alter immune cell glycosylation and affect cell proliferation and differentiation.
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Biological functions
Glycosylation (addition of sialic acid to O-linked glycan structures)Regulation of immune cell function, particularly CD8⁺ T-cell contraction and dendritic cell glycosylationModulation of hematopoietic cell differentiation, including roles in megakaryopoiesisRegulator of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell migration, invasion, and growth in cancer cellsFormation of sialoglycans on glycoproteins and glycolipids
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Disease associations
Cancer (implicated in progression, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance, notably ovarian cancer)Neuropsychiatric disease (based on genetic studies linking variants to conditions)Inflammatory and immunological conditionsHematological disease (affecting platelet formation and megakaryocytopoiesis)
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Safety considerations
Therapeutic targeting might affect normal glycosylation in hematopoiesis and immune cells, potentially resulting in side effects on platelet formation or immune responseOff-target inhibition may have unintended systemic consequences due to broad roles in physiological glycosylation
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Interacting drugs
Paclitaxel
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Biomarkers
ST3GAL1 expression can serve as a biomarker for cancer progression and resistance to chemotherapy in ovarian cancerPeanut agglutinin binding (used to track unsialylated glycan chains in functional assays for sialyltransferase activity)
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