GBGT1

GBGT1 encodes globoside alpha-1,3-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1, which is a Forssman glycolipid synthase involved in the synthesis of the Forssman heterophilic glycolipid antigen (GalNAca1-3GalNAcb1-3Gala1-4Galb1-4Glc-Cer). However in primates including human, GBGT1 has point mutation and thus lacks the enzyme activity (Forssman heterophilic glycolipid antigen negative). On the other hand in other species such as canine and mouse, GBGT1 has enzyme activity and Forssman heterophilic glycolipid antigen is expressed. Forssman heterophilic glycolipid antigen is known to have a function as an accepter of many pathogens.