Lactosylceramide synthase β-1,4-GalT-V: A novel target for the diagnosis and therapy of human colorectal cancer.

Little is known about an oncogenic signal transducer β-1,4-galactosyltransferase-V (β-1,4-GalT-V), in human colorectal cancer. Using quantitative RT-PCR, immunohistochemical staining and ELISA assays, we determined that β-1,4-GalT-V gene/protein expression is specifically increased in human colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors, compared to visibly normal tissue. Furthermore, we observed a marked increase in its enzymatic activity, and its product lactosylceramide.