UGT1A7

UGT1A7

UGT1A7, or UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A7, is an enzyme that is part of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) family. These enzymes are crucial for the process of glucuronidation, a biochemical reaction that facilitates the elimination of lipophilic substances by making them more water-soluble. This process is essential for the metabolism and excretion of various endogenous and exogenous compounds, including drugs, toxins, and bilirubin.

Structure

UGT1A7 is encoded by the UGT1A7 gene, which is located on chromosome 2q37. The UGT1A7 enzyme is a member of the UGT1A subfamily, which is characterized by a shared exon 1 that encodes the substrate-binding domain, while exons 2-5 are shared among all UGT1A isoforms and encode the UDP-glucuronic acid binding domain.

Function

The primary function of UGT1A7 is to catalyze the transfer of glucuronic acid from UDP-glucuronic acid to a variety of substrates. This reaction results in the formation of glucuronides, which are more water-soluble and can be excreted in urine or bile. UGT1A7 is known to glucuronidate a range of substrates, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and certain drugs.

Clinical Significance

UGT1A7 polymorphisms have been studied in relation to their impact on drug metabolism and disease susceptibility. Variations in the UGT1A7 gene can lead to altered enzyme activity, which may affect the metabolism of drugs and the risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer. For example, some polymorphisms have been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer due to reduced detoxification of carcinogens.

Genetic Variability

The UGT1A7 gene exhibits significant genetic variability, with several known polymorphisms that result in different enzyme activity levels. These polymorphisms can be classified into different alleles, such as UGT1A7*1, UGT1A7*2, and UGT1A7*3, each with distinct enzymatic activity profiles.

Research and Implications

Research on UGT1A7 continues to explore its role in drug metabolism and its potential as a biomarker for disease risk. Understanding the genetic variations in UGT1A7 can help in personalizing medical treatments and predicting patient responses to certain medications.

Also see

• UGT1A1
• Glucuronidation
• Drug metabolism
• Pharmacogenomics
• Enzyme polymorphism