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Target intelligence / Profile preview
UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG)
- Target
- UGCG
- Molecular classification
- Enzyme, Glycosyltransferase
01
Overview
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
02
Mechanism of action
Inhibition of glucosylceramide synthesis, Disruption of glycosphingolipid-mediated signaling, Induction of ceramide-mediated apoptosis
03
Biological functions
Glycosphingolipid biosynthesisRegulation of apoptosisCell proliferationAngiogenesisMembrane organizationCellular signaling
04
Disease associations
CancerMultidrug resistanceCardiovascular diseaseVascular malformationLysosomal storage disorders (e.g., Anderson-Fabry disease)Inflammation
05
Safety considerations
Off-target effects on glycosphingolipid metabolism (impacting multiple organs)Potential for neuropathy and cardiac effects (inhibitor-related)Resistance development in cancer
06
Interacting drugs
Eliglustat
2 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
Glucosylceramide levelsGlycosphingolipid profileUGCG expression
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