UGT2A1
Description
The UGT2A1 (UDP glucuronosyltransferase family 2 member A1 complex locus) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 4.
UDP glucuronosyltransferase 2 family, polypeptide B1, also known as UGT2B1, is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the UGT2B1 gene.
== Function == The olfactory neuroepithelium, which lines the posterior nasal cavity, is exposed to a wide range of odorants and airborne toxic compounds. Odorants, which are mostly small lipophilic molecules, enter the mucus flow and reach the odorant receptors on sensory neurons. Odorant sensing is generally a transient process, requiring an effective signal termination, which could be provided by biotransformation of the odorant in the epithelial supporting cells. Xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in the olfactory epithelium have been suggested to catalyze inactivation and facilitate elimination of odorants. UGT2A1 and UGT2A2 were recently implicated as having a role in the loss of smell associated with COVID-19.
== References ==
== Further reading ==
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.
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. Essential for the elimination and detoxification of drugs, xenobiotics and endogenous compounds. Catalyzes the glucuronidation of endogenous steroid hormones such as androgens (testosterone and epitestosterone) and estrogens (estradiol and epiestriol). Contributes to bile acid (BA) detoxification by catalyzing the glucuronidation of BA substrates, which are natural detergents for dietary lipids absorption. Shows a high affinity to aliphatic odorants such as citronellol as well as olfactory tissue specificity, and therefore may be involved in olfaction. Shows a potential role in detoxification of toxic waste compounds in the amniotic fluid before birth, and air-born chemical after birth. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:10359671, ECO:0000269|PubMed:18719240, ECO:0000269|PubMed:19022937, ECO:0000269|PubMed:19858781, ECO:0000269|PubMed:23288867, ECO:0000269|PubMed:23756265}
UGT2A1 is also known as UDPGT2A1.
