Uridine diphosphate glucose

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia


Uridine diphosphate glucose[edit | edit source]

Structure of UDP-glucose

Uridine diphosphate glucose (UDP-glucose) is a nucleotide sugar that plays a critical role in the metabolism of carbohydrates. It is a precursor of glycogen and is involved in the biosynthesis of glycoproteins, glycolipids, and proteoglycans.

Structure[edit | edit source]

UDP-glucose is composed of the nucleotide uridine diphosphate (UDP) linked to a glucose molecule. The structure consists of a uracil base, a ribose sugar, and two phosphate groups connected to a glucose moiety. The glucose is attached to the diphosphate group via a glycosidic bond.

Biosynthesis[edit | edit source]

UDP-glucose is synthesized from glucose-1-phosphate and uridine triphosphate (UTP) in a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase. This reaction is reversible and plays a key role in the regulation of glycogen synthesis.

Function[edit | edit source]

UDP-glucose serves as a glycosyl donor in various biosynthetic pathways. It is essential for the synthesis of glycogen, where it donates glucose residues to the growing glycogen chain. Additionally, UDP-glucose is involved in the formation of glycosaminoglycans, glycolipids, and glycoproteins, which are important components of cellular membranes and extracellular matrices.

Role in Metabolism[edit | edit source]

In carbohydrate metabolism, UDP-glucose is a central intermediate. It is involved in the Leloir pathway of galactose metabolism, where it is converted to UDP-galactose by the enzyme UDP-glucose 4-epimerase. This conversion is crucial for the utilization of galactose derived from dietary sources.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Defects in the metabolism of UDP-glucose can lead to various metabolic disorders. For example, deficiencies in enzymes involved in its synthesis or utilization can result in glycogen storage diseases or congenital disorders of glycosylation.

Related pages[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD