FUT9 - Fucosyltransferase 9

The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the glycosyltransferase family. It is localized to the golgi, and catalyzes the last step in the biosynthesis of Lewis X (LeX) antigen, the addition of a fucose to precursor polysaccharides. This protein is one of the few fucosyltransferases that synthesizes the LeX oligosaccharide (CD15) expressed in the organ buds progressing in mesenchyma during embryogenesis. It is also responsible for the expression of CD15 in mature granulocytes. A common haplotype of this gene has also been associated with susceptibility to placental malaria infection. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2011]