Hydrolases are transported to lysosomes after binding to mannose 6-phosphate receptors in the trans-Golgi network. This gene encodes the enzyme that catalyzes the second step in the formation of the mannose 6-phosphate recognition marker on lysosomal hydrolases. Commonly known as 'uncovering enzyme' or UCE, this enzyme removes N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) residues from GlcNAc-alpha-P-mannose moieties and thereby produces the recognition marker. This reaction most likely occurs in the trans-Golgi network. This enzyme functions as a homotetramer of two disulfide-linked homodimers. In addition to having an N-terminalsignal peptide, the protein's C-terminus contains multiple signals for trafficking it between lysosomes, the plasma membrane, and trans-Golgi network.[7]
To date, the only disorder in humans associated with this gene is Persistent Neurodevelopmental Stuttering (PNdS).[8]
Lee JK, Pierce M (1995). "Purification and characterization of human serum N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphodiester alpha-N-acetylglucosaminidase". Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 319 (2): 413–25. doi:10.1006/abbi.1995.1312. PMID7786023.
Andersson B, Wentland MA, Ricafrente JY, et al. (1996). "A "double adaptor" method for improved shotgun library construction". Anal. Biochem. 236 (1): 107–13. doi:10.1006/abio.1996.0138. PMID8619474.