UDP-GlcNAc:beta-Gal beta-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 5 (B3GNT5)

UDP-GlcNAc:beta-Gal beta-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 5 (B3GNT5) is a glycosyltransferase enzyme that catalyzes the addition of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) from UDP-GlcNAc to galactose on lactosylceramide, forming lactotriaosylceramide—the precursor for the lacto- and neolacto-series glycosphingolipids[1][2][3][4][5]. These glycolipids are integral to cell membrane structure, serve as mediators of cell adhesion, signaling, and differentiation, and are critical during embryonic development. B3GNT5's dysregulation—especially its upregulation—has been implicated in several cancers, where it supports cancer stemness and correlates with poor prognosis, making it a promising but challenging therapeutic target. Knockout studies reveal its indispensability for early development and membrane microdomain structure, while its expression influences immune cell function and tumor microenvironment interactions.

Other names

Beta-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 5Beta-1,3-Gn-T5Beta3Gn-T5B3gnt5Lactotriaosylceramide synthaseLactosylceramide synthaseLc3 synthaseBGnT-5UDP-GlcNAc:betaGal beta-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 5Lactosylceramide 1,3-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminyltransferase

siRNA-mediated knockdown (reduces stemness and neurosphere formation in glioma stem cells); Hypothetical small-molecule inhibition (would block glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, potentially preventing malignant or stem-like cell properties); Indirect modulation via glycosylation pathways (possible effects on cellular adhesion, immune signaling, stemness)