The protein encoded by this gene catalyzes the transfer of galactose to lactosylceramide to form globotriaosylceramide, which has been identified as the P(k) antigen of the P blood group system. The encoded protein, which is a type II membrane protein found in the Golgi, is also required for the synthesis of the bacterial verotoxins receptor. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].
Hellberg, Schmidt-Melbye, Reid, Olsson: "Expression of a novel missense mutation found in the A4GALT gene of Amish individuals with the p phenotype." in: Transfusion, Vol. 48, Issue 3, pp. 479-87, (2008) (PubMed).