UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG)

UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) is a key Golgi-localized enzyme catalyzing the first glycosylation step in glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, converting ceramide and UDP-glucose into glucosylceramide—the precursor of all glycosphingolipids[1][2][4]. UGCG activity regulates cell membrane composition, influences the balance between pro-apoptotic ceramide and complex glycosphingolipids, and modulates fundamental processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis resistance, angiogenesis, and cellular signaling[1][3][4]. UGCG is implicated in cancer (often upregulated, promoting chemoresistance via interactions with MDR1/P-gp), vascular proliferative diseases, venous malformations, lysosomal storage disorders, and has emerging roles in inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases[3][4]. Inhibitors such as eliglustat and miglustat target UGCG for the treatment of glycosphingolipid-storage diseases and are being investigated for cancer therapeutics[3][4].

Other names

ceramide glucosyltransferaseglucosylceramide synthaseEC 2.4.1.80

Inhibition of glucosylceramide synthesis, Disruption of glycosphingolipid-mediated signaling, Induction of ceramide-mediated apoptosis