Catalyzes the synthesis of lactosylceramide (LacCer) via the transfer of galactose from UDP-galactose to glucosylceramide (GlcCer) (PubMed:24498430). LacCer is the starting point in the biosynthesis of all gangliosides (membrane-bound glycosphingolipids) which play pivotal roles in the CNS including neuronal maturation and axonal and myelin formation (By similarity). Plays a role in the glycosylation of BMPR1A and regulation of its protein stability (By similarity). Essential for extraembryonic development during early embryogenesis (By similarity).
