Cells devoid of the long isoform of GalT-I have been created.
These cells retain grossly normal galactosylation via the short GalT-I isoform.
Cells fail to express GalT-I on the surface and are unable to spread on laminin.
This is associated with loss of stress fibers, focal adhesions and rac activation.
Cells show normal interactions with fibronectin, which are GalT-I independent.