UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A8 (UGT1A8)

UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A8 (UGT1A8) is a membrane-bound phase II metabolic enzyme primarily expressed in extrahepatic tissues, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract[1][3][7]. It catalyzes the transfer of glucuronic acid from UDP-glucuronic acid to a variety of small lipophilic molecules—including steroids, bilirubin, hormones, phenols, flavones, anthraquinones, coumarins, drugs, and some opioids—transforming them into more polar, water-soluble metabolites for excretion in bile or urine[1][3][5][7]. UGT1A8 is part of the UGT1A subfamily produced from a complex locus with variable first exons regulating substrate specificity; its specific substrates and polymorphisms may influence the detoxification of dietary or environmental xenobiotics and impact disease risk, drug response, and toxicity[1][2][3]. Altered expression or function (due to polymorphisms or inhibitor interactions) is associated with diseases such as drug-induced toxicities, bilirubin disorders, and possibly cancer susceptibility via modulated hormone and carcinogen metabolism[2][3][5][7].

Other names

UGT1A8UDP glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A8UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A8GNT1UGT1UDPGT 1-8UGT1*8UGT1-08UGT1.8UGT-1HUGT1HUDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1-8UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1-HUDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1 family, polypeptide A8UDP glycosyltransferase 1 family, polypeptide A8

Catalyzes glucuronidation, enhancing drug/metabolite excretion by increasing water solubility; Involved in inactivation and detoxification of drugs and endogenous molecules