Catalyzes the transfer of sialic acid from a CMP-linked sialic acid donor onto the terminal sialic acid of an acceptor through alpha-2,8-linkages. Is active with alpha-2,3-linked, alpha-2,6-linked and alpha-2,8-linked sialic acid of N-linked oligosaccharides of glycoproteins and glycolipids. Displays preference for substrates with alpha-2,3-linked terminal sialic acid. It can form polysialic acid in vitro directly on alpha-2,3-, alpha-2,6-, or alpha-2,8-linked sialic acid.
Subcellular locations: Golgi apparatus membrane
Expressed in fetal and adult brain and fetal liver.