UGT2A1 Proteins

The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the UDP-glycosyltransferase family, members of which catalyze biotransformation reactions in which lipophilic substrates are conjugated with glucuronic acid to increase water solubility and enhance excretion. They are of major importance in the conjugation and subsequent elimination of potentially toxic xenobiotics and endogenous compounds. This enzyme is expressed in the olfactory neuroepithelium, which lines the posterior nasal cavity and is exposed to a wide range of odorants and airborne toxic compounds. Hence, this protein has been suggested to be involved in clearing lipophilic odorant molecules from the sensory epithelium. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2011].