Defective B3GALT6 causes EDSP2 and SEMDJL1

Defective B3GALT6 causes EDSP2 and SEMDJL1 The biosynthesis of dermatan sulfate/chondroitin sulfate and heparin/heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) starts with the formation of a tetrasaccharide linker sequence attached to the core protein. Beta-1,3-galactosyltransferase 6 (B3GALT6) is one of the critical enzymes involved in the formation of this linker sequence. Defects in B3GALT6 causes Ehlers-Danlos syndrome progeroid type 2 (EDSP2; MIM:615349), a severe disorder resulting in a broad spectrum of skeletal, connective tissue and wound healing problems. Defects in B3GALT6 can also cause spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity type 1 (SEMDJL1; MIM:271640), characterised by spinal deformaty and lax joints, especially of the hands and respiratory compromise resulting in early death (Nakajima et al. 2013, Malfait et al. 2013).