Glycosyltransferase which regulates the biosynthesis of heparan sulfate (HS) (, ). Initiates HS synthesis by transferring the first N-acetyl-alpha-D-glucosamine (alpha-GlcNAc) residue (GlcNAcT-I activity) to the tetrasaccharide linker (GlcA-Gal-Gal-Xyl-)Ser core linker (, ). May also transfer alpha-GlcNAc residues during HS elongation (GlcNAcT-II activity) (, ). Lacks glucuronyl transferase II (GlcAT-II) activity (, ). Important for both skeletal development and hematopoiesis, through the formation of HS proteoglycans (HSPGs) (  ). Through the synthesis of HS, regulates postnatal pancreatic islet maturation and insulin secretion (By similarity).
Receptor for REG3A, REG3B and REG3G, induces the activation of downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT or RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway ( ). Required for the function of REG3A in regulating keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation . Required for the inhibition of skin inflammation mediated by REGA through the activation of PI3K-AKT-STAT3 pathway . Required for the function of REGA and REG3G in glucose tolerance in pancreas . Expressed in microglia, is activated by nociceptor-derived REG3G in response to endotoxins, leading to the inhibition of kynurenine pathway to prevent endotoxic death (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Endoplasmic reticulum membrane, Golgi apparatus, Cell membrane, Nucleus
Interaction with REG3A induces its translocation to the nucleus.
Ubiquitous. Expressed in keratinocytes. Expressed in pancreas .