Sialyltransferases
sialyltransferases
Sialyltransferases are a subset of glycosyltransferases that catalyze the transfer of sialic acid (Sia) residues from an activated sugar donor (CMP-βNeu5Ac, CMP-βNeu5Gc, CMP-βKdn) to the hydroxyl group at the terminal non reducing position of Gal, GlcNAc, GalNAc or Sia monosaccharides of glycoconjugate acceptors (glycoproteins or glycolipids) leading to the formation of α2-3, α2-6 or α2-8 glycosidic linkages. Animal sialyltransferases are gathered in a unique group of the CAZy classification (GT#29). Within this group, four families are distinguished based on the glycosidic linkage formed and the monosaccharide acceptor (ST3Gal, ST6Gal, ST6GalNAc and ST8Sia).