Glükuronosüültransferaas

Glükuronosüültransferaas is a family of enzymes, also known as UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), that play a crucial role in the metabolism and detoxification of a wide range of endogenous and exogenous compounds. These enzymes catalyze the transfer of a glucuronic acid moiety from a donor molecule, uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronic acid (UDPGA), to a substrate molecule. This process, called glucuronidation, results in the formation of a glucuronide conjugate, which is typically more water-soluble and therefore more readily excreted from the body.

UGTs are primarily located in the liver but are also found in other tissues, including the intestines, kidneys, and lungs. They are involved in the metabolism of various substances, such as bilirubin, steroid hormones, fatty acids, and bile acids. Furthermore, UGTs are critical for the detoxification of many drugs, xenobiotics, and environmental toxins by facilitating their elimination. The substrate specificity of UGTs is broad, and they are classified into different families and subfamilies based on their amino acid sequence homology and substrate preference. Genetic variations in UGT genes can lead to differences in enzyme activity, affecting an individual's susceptibility to certain diseases and their response to medications.