UGT8 (UDP-galactose-ceramide galactosyltransferase, 2-hydroxyacylsphingosine 1-beta-galactosyltransferase) is a 541 amino acid, single pass membrane protein of the UDP-glycosyltransferase family. UGT8 is believed to be primarily involved with the metabolism of sphingolipids and galactosylceramide biosynthesis. UGT8 is one of six genes whose elevated expression has been correlated with a significantly increased the risk of lung metastases in breast cancer patients. As such, UGT8 may be a significant index of tumor aggressiveness and a potential marker for the prognostic evaluation of lung metastases in breast cancer. UGT8 is ubiquitously expressed with highest levels found in central and peripheral nervous systems and is up-regulated in breast cancers.