cDNA cloning and expression of human lactosylceramide synthase

Lactosylceramide synthase is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of galac tose from UDP-Gal to glucosylceramide, and thus participates in the biosynt hesis of most glycolipids in mammals. We have isolated and sequenced the cD NA clone encoding human lactosylceramide synthase. The deduced amino acid s equence of the human lactosylceramide synthase showed 94.2% identity with r at lactosylceramide synthase. Northern blotting analysis revealed that lact osylceramide synthase mRNA was expressed in various tissues, with the highe st level in brain and adrenal gland. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.