GD3 synthase (CMP-NeuAc:NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1'Cer alpha 2,8-sialyltransferase) is a member of the sialyltransferase family, whose members are characterized by having the sialyl motif and a key regulatory enzyme that controls the ganglioside biosynthesis pathway. The chromosomal location of the GD3 synthase gene (SIAT8) was determined in human and mouse using fluorescence in situ hybridization and interspecific backcross analysis, respectively. The human GD3 synthase gene was mapped to p12.1-p11.2 of chromosome 12. The mouse homologue was mapped 2.8 cM distal to D6Mit52 and 4.3 cM proximal to D6Mit25; this region is syntenic to the short arm of human chromosome 12.