glükuronosüültransferaasi

Glükuronosüültransferaas, often abbreviated as UGT, refers to a family of enzymes primarily responsible for the conjugation of glucuronic acid to various substrates. This process, known as glucuronidation, is a critical phase II metabolic pathway in many organisms, including humans. UGTs catalyze the transfer of glucuronic acid from the cofactor uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid (UDPGA) to a wide array of endogenous and exogenous compounds. These substrates include bilirubin, steroids, fatty acids, and numerous drugs and environmental toxins. The addition of glucuronic acid typically increases the water solubility of these compounds, facilitating their excretion from the body, primarily through bile and urine.

The UGT enzyme superfamily is diverse, with different isoforms exhibiting varying substrate specificities. This diversity allows for the efficient metabolism of a broad range of molecules. Genetic variations within UGT genes can lead to differences in enzyme activity among individuals, influencing drug metabolism, susceptibility to certain diseases, and the efficacy of therapeutic agents. For instance, variations in UGT1A1 are associated with Gilbert's syndrome, a common and usually harmless condition characterized by mild hyperbilirubinemia. Research into UGTs is ongoing, aiming to understand their roles in health and disease and to develop strategies for modulating their activity in therapeutic contexts.