GLUCURONIC TRANSFERASE Meaning and
Definition
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Glucuronic transferase, also known as UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), is an enzyme present in various tissues and organs in the human body, particularly in the liver, kidneys, and intestines. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the process of glucuronidation, which is a major phase II detoxification pathway.
Glucuronic transferase catalyzes the transfer of the glucuronic acid moiety from UDP-glucuronic acid to a wide range of xenobiotics (foreign substances) and their metabolites, as well as endogenous compounds such as hormones, drugs, bilirubin, and bile acids. This transfer reaction converts these compounds into more water-soluble forms, facilitating their elimination from the body.
The glucuronidation process, mediated by glucuronic transferase, enhances the compounds' excretion via urine or bile, thus preventing their reabsorption and accumulation in the body. It is an important mechanism for the clearance of drugs and toxins, as well as endogenous waste products.
Genetic variations in the glucuronic transferase enzyme can lead to interindividual differences in drug metabolism and response, affecting drug efficacy and toxicity. Additionally, certain drugs and environmental factors can induce or inhibit the activity of glucuronic transferase, further influencing the metabolism of various compounds.
Understanding the function and regulation of glucuronic transferase is of great significance in the fields of pharmacology, toxicology, and drug development, as it has a significant impact on the disposition and elimination of many drugs and endogenous substances in the human body.
Common Misspellings for GLUCURONIC TRANSFERASE
- flucuronic transferase
- vlucuronic transferase
- blucuronic transferase
- hlucuronic transferase
- ylucuronic transferase
- tlucuronic transferase
- gkucuronic transferase
- gpucuronic transferase
- goucuronic transferase
- glycuronic transferase
- glhcuronic transferase
- gljcuronic transferase
- glicuronic transferase
- gl8curonic transferase
- gl7curonic transferase
- gluxuronic transferase
- gluvuronic transferase
- glufuronic transferase
- gluduronic transferase
- glucyronic transferase
Etymology of GLUCURONIC TRANSFERASE
The word "glucuronic transferase" is derived from several components:
1. Glucuronic: This part is derived from the word "glucuronic acid", which is a sugar acid derived from glucose. The term "glucuronic" is used to indicate the involvement of this sugar acid in the reaction catalyzed by the enzyme.
2. Transferase: "Transferase" is a term used for a class of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a functional group from one molecule to another. In this case, the enzyme specifically transfers glucuronic acid to another molecule.
So, when combined, "glucuronic transferase" refers to an enzyme that transfers glucuronic acid to another molecule.
