The human genome encodes probably more than 20 different sialyltransferases involved in
the biosynthesis of sialylated glycoproteins and glycolipids but to date only 15 different
human sialyltransferase cDNAs have been cloned and characterized. Each of the
sialyltransferase genes is differentially expressed in a tissue-, cell type-, and stage-specific
manner to regulate the sialylation pattern of cells. These enzymes differ in their substrate
specificity, tissue distribution and various biochemical parameters. However, enzymatic …