Understanding UGT2A1: A Protein Involved in Many Bodily Functions and Potential Drug Targets

Target Name: UGT2A1

NCBI ID: G10941

Understanding UGT2A1: A Protein Involved in Many Bodily Functions and Potential Drug Targets

UGT2A1 (Ultrasensitive Glycoproteinase 2A-1) is a protein that is expressed in a variety of tissues throughout the body, including the liver, pancreas, and blood cells. It is a member of the glycoprotein family, which consists of proteins that are composed of at least one glycine tail and one transmembrane region. UGT2A1 is characterized by its ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of specific peptides, such as albumin and globulin, at pH values that are lower than those of cell culture.

One of the unique features of UGT2A1 is its ability to hydrolyze specific peptides without the need for additional enzymes. This is accomplished through the use of a special type of active site, known as an electrostatic site, which allows the protein to bind to and activate specific peptides. The electrostatic site is located at the N-terminus of the protein and is composed of a positively charged amino acid residue (Asp) and a negatively charged amino acid residue (Cys).

UGT2A1 has been shown to play a role in a variety of physiological processes in the body. For example, it is involved in the regulation of protein levels in the liver, pancreas, and blood cells. It is also involved in the detoxification of harmful substances, such as drugs and other toxins, from the body. UGT2A1 has also been shown to play a role in the development and progression of certain diseases, such as liver and pancreatic cancer.

In addition to its role in the regulation of protein levels and the detoxification of harmful substances, UGT2A1 has also been shown to be a potential drug target. Researchers have identified several potential drug targets for UGT2A1, including those that are located at the N-terminus of the protein and those that are involved in its function. These potential drug targets are being targeted in order to develop new treatments for a variety of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and genetic disorders.

In conclusion, UGT2A1 is a protein that is expressed in a variety of tissues throughout the body and is involved in a variety of physiological processes in the body. It is also a potential drug target, with several research groups currently working to develop new treatments for a variety of diseases. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of UGT2A1 in the regulation of protein levels and the detoxification of harmful substances, as well as its potential as a drug target.

Protein Name: UDP Glucuronosyltransferase Family 2 Member A1 Complex Locus

Functions: UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) that catalyzes phase II biotransformation reactions in which lipophilic substrates are conjugated with glucuronic acid to increase the metabolite's water solubility, thereby facilitating excretion into either the urine or bile (PubMed:10359671, PubMed:19858781, PubMed:18719240, PubMed:19022937, PubMed:23756265, PubMed:23288867). Essential for the elimination and detoxification of drugs, xenobiotics and endogenous compounds (PubMed:10359671, PubMed:19858781, PubMed:23756265). Catalyzes the glucuronidation of endogenous steroid hormones such as androgens (testosterone and epitestosterone) and estrogens (estradiol and epiestriol) (PubMed:18719240, PubMed:19858781, PubMed:19022937, PubMed:23288867). Contributes to bile acid (BA) detoxification by catalyzing the glucuronidation of BA substrates, which are natural detergents for dietary lipids absorption (PubMed:23756265). Shows a high affinity to aliphatic odorants such as citronellol as well as olfactory tissue specificity, and therefore may be involved in olfaction (PubMed:10359671). Shows a potential role in detoxification of toxic waste compounds in the amniotic fluid before birth, and air-born chemical after birth (PubMed:19858781)

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