GALE Mouse Monoclonal Antibody [Clone ID: LBI1C4]

This gene encodes UDP-galactose-4-epimerase which catalyzes two distinct but analogous reactions: the epimerization of UDP-glucose to UDP-galactose, and the epimerization of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine to UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine. The bifunctional nature of the enzyme has the important metabolic consequence that mutant cells (or individuals) are dependent not only on exogenous galactose, but also on exogenous N-acetylgalactosamine as a necessary precursor for the synthesis of glycoproteins and glycolipids. Mutations in this gene result in epimerase-deficiency galactosemia, also referred to as galactosemia type 3, a disease characterized by liver damage, early-onset cataracts, deafness and mental retardation, with symptoms ranging from mild ('peripheral' form) to severe ('generalized' form) . Multiple alternatively spliced transcripts encoding the same protein have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Store at +4°C short term. For long-term storage, aliquot and store at -20°C or below. Stable for 12 months at -20°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.