Catalyzes the last step in biosynthesis of uridine diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) by converting UTP and glucosamine 1-phosphate (GlcNAc-1-P) to the sugar nucleotide (, ). Also converts UTP and galactosamine 1-phosphate (GalNAc-1-P) into uridine diphosphate-N-acetylgalactosamine (UDP-GalNAc) . In addition to its role in metabolism, acts as a regulator of innate immunity in response to virus infection by mediating pyrophosphorylation of IRF3: catalyzes pyrophosphorylation of IRF3 phosphorylated at 'Ser-386' by TBK1, promoting IRF3 dimerization and activation, leading to type I interferon responses .
Isoform AGX1 has 2 to 3 times higher activity towards galactosamine 1-phosphate (GalNAc-1-P).
Isoform AGX2 has 8 times more activity towards glucosamine 1-phosphate (GlcNAc-1-P).
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Cytosol
In spermatozoa, localized to the principal piece of the tail, the neck region of the head and to a lesser extent, the midpiece of the tail.
Widely expressed . Expressed at low level in placenta, muscle and liver .
Isoform AGX1 is more abundant in testis than isoform AGX2, while isoform AGX2 is more abundant than isoform AGX1 in somatic tissue.
Isoform AGX2 is more abundant than isoform AGX1 in somatic tissue.