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Function

Isoform 1

Cleaves beta-linked terminal galactosyl residues from gangliosides, glycoproteins, and glycosaminoglycans.

Isoform 2

Has no beta-galactosidase catalytic activity, but plays functional roles in the formation of extracellular elastic fibers (elastogenesis) and in the development of connective tissue. Seems to be identical to the elastin-binding protein (EBP), a major component of the non-integrin cell surface receptor expressed on fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, chondroblasts, leukocytes, and certain cancer cell types. In elastin producing cells, associates with tropoelastin intracellularly and functions as a recycling molecular chaperone which facilitates the secretions of tropoelastin and its assembly into elastic fibers.

Involvement in disease

GM1-gangliosidosis 1

GM1G1

An autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease marked by the accumulation of GM1 gangliosides, glycoproteins and keratan sulfate primarily in neurons of the central nervous system. GM1-gangliosidosis type 1 is characterized by onset within the first three months of life, central nervous system degeneration, coarse facial features, hepatosplenomegaly, skeletal dysmorphology reminiscent of Hurler syndrome, and rapidly progressive psychomotor deterioration. Urinary oligosaccharide levels are high. It leads to death usually between the first and second year of life.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

GM1-gangliosidosis 2

GM1G2

A gangliosidosis characterized by onset between ages 1 and 5. The main symptom is locomotor ataxia, ultimately leading to a state of decerebration with epileptic seizures. Patients do not display the skeletal changes associated with the infantile form, but they nonetheless excrete elevated amounts of beta-linked galactose-terminal oligosaccharides. Inheritance is autosomal recessive.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

GM1-gangliosidosis 3

GM1G3

A gangliosidosis with a variable phenotype. Patients show mild skeletal abnormalities, dysarthria, gait disturbance, dystonia and visual impairment. Visceromegaly is absent. Intellectual deficit can initially be mild or absent but progresses over time. Inheritance is autosomal recessive.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Mucopolysaccharidosis 4B

MPS4B

A form of mucopolysaccharidosis type 4, an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease characterized by intracellular accumulation of keratan sulfate and chondroitin-6-sulfate. Key clinical features include short stature, skeletal dysplasia, dental anomalies, and corneal clouding. Intelligence is normal and there is no direct central nervous system involvement, although the skeletal changes may result in neurologic complications. There is variable severity, but patients with the severe phenotype usually do not survive past the second or third decade of life.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase 35 family.

Tissue specificity

Detected in placenta (at protein level) (PubMed:8383699). Detected in fibroblasts and testis (PubMed:2511208).

Cellular localization

  • Isoform 1
  • Lysosome
  • Isoform 2
  • Cytoplasm
  • Perinuclear region
  • Localized to the perinuclear area of the cytoplasm but not to lysosomes.

Alternative names

ELNR1, GLB1, Beta-galactosidase, Acid beta-galactosidase, Elastin receptor 1, Lactase

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Oncology

Molecular weight

76075Da