Catalyzes the synthesis of lactosylceramide (LacCer) via the transfer of galactose from UDP-galactose to glucosylceramide (GlcCer) ( ). LacCer is the starting point in the biosynthesis of all gangliosides (membrane-bound glycosphingolipids) which play pivotal roles in the CNS including neuronal maturation and axonal and myelin formation (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Golgi apparatus, Golgi stack membrane
Trans cisternae of Golgi stack.
High expression in brain and adrenal gland, lower in liver, lung, colon and peripheral white blood cells.