Anti-NAGK

This gene encodes a member of the N-acetylhexosamine kinase family. The encoded protein catalyzes the conversion of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine 6-phosphate, and is the major mammalian enzyme which recovers amino sugars. Protein function: Converts endogenous N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), a major component of complex carbohydrates, from lysosomal degradation or nutritional sources into GlcNAc 6-phosphate. Involved in the N- glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) degradation pathway: although human is not able to catalyze formation of Neu5Gc due to the inactive CMAHP enzyme, Neu5Gc is present in food and must be degraded. Also has ManNAc kinase activity. [The UniProt Consortium]