Page last updated: 2024-10-24

UDP-glucose 4-epimerase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the reaction: UDP-glucose = UDP-galactose. [EC:5.1.3.2]

UDP-glucose 4-epimerase activity catalyzes the reversible interconversion of UDP-glucose and UDP-galactose. This reaction is crucial for the synthesis of galactose-containing molecules, including lactose, glycolipids, and glycoproteins. The enzyme utilizes the cofactor NAD+ to oxidize the C4 hydroxyl group of UDP-glucose, converting it to a ketone. This reaction is followed by a reduction step, utilizing NADH, which converts the ketone back to a hydroxyl group, but in an epimeric configuration, resulting in UDP-galactose. This enzymatic activity plays a critical role in carbohydrate metabolism, facilitating the utilization of galactose, a sugar obtained from dietary sources like lactose, for various cellular processes. The enzyme's activity is essential for maintaining normal brain function, as it is involved in the synthesis of galactosylceramide, a major component of myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers.'
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Proteins (1)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
UDP-glucose 4-epimeraseA UDP-glucose 4-epimerase that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q14376]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (5)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
ebselenebselen : A benzoselenazole that is 1,2-benzoselenazol-3-one carrying an additional phenyl substituent at position 2. Acts as a mimic of glutathione peroxidase.benzoselenazoleanti-inflammatory drug;
antibacterial agent;
anticoronaviral agent;
antifungal agent;
antineoplastic agent;
antioxidant;
apoptosis inducer;
EC 1.13.11.33 (arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase) inhibitor;
EC 1.13.11.34 (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase) inhibitor;
EC 1.3.1.8 [acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (NADP(+))] inhibitor;
EC 1.8.1.12 (trypanothione-disulfide reductase) inhibitor;
EC 2.5.1.7 (UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 1-carboxyvinyltransferase) inhibitor;
EC 2.7.10.1 (receptor protein-tyrosine kinase) inhibitor;
EC 3.1.3.25 (inositol-phosphate phosphatase) inhibitor;
EC 3.4.22.69 (SARS coronavirus main proteinase) inhibitor;
EC 3.5.4.1 (cytosine deaminase) inhibitor;
EC 5.1.3.2 (UDP-glucose 4-epimerase) inhibitor;
enzyme mimic;
ferroptosis inhibitor;
genotoxin;
hepatoprotective agent;
neuroprotective agent;
radical scavenger
ethacrynic acidetacrynic acid : An aromatic ether that is phenoxyacetic acid in which the phenyl ring is substituted by chlorines at positions 2 and 3, and by a 2-methylidenebutanoyl group at position 4. It is a loop diuretic used to treat high blood pressure resulting from diseases such as congestive heart failure, liver failure, and kidney failure. It is also a glutathione S-transferase (EC 2.5.1.18) inhibitor.

Ethacrynic Acid: A compound that inhibits symport of sodium, potassium, and chloride primarily in the ascending limb of Henle, but also in the proximal and distal tubules. This pharmacological action results in excretion of these ions, increased urinary output, and reduction in extracellular fluid. This compound has been classified as a loop or high ceiling diuretic.
aromatic ether;
aromatic ketone;
dichlorobenzene;
monocarboxylic acid
EC 2.5.1.18 (glutathione transferase) inhibitor;
ion transport inhibitor;
loop diuretic
haloproginhaloprogin: minor descriptor (73-86); on-line & INDEX MEDICUS search PHENYL ETHERS (73-86)aromatic ether
diethylstilbestroldiethylstilbestrol : An olefinic compound that is trans-hex-3-ene in which the hydrogens at positions 3 and 4 have been replaced by p-hydroxyphenyl groups.

Diethylstilbestrol: A synthetic nonsteroidal estrogen used in the treatment of menopausal and postmenopausal disorders. It was also used formerly as a growth promoter in animals. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP 85-002, 1985), diethylstilbestrol has been listed as a known carcinogen. (Merck, 11th ed)
olefinic compound;
polyphenol
antifungal agent;
antineoplastic agent;
autophagy inducer;
calcium channel blocker;
carcinogenic agent;
EC 1.1.1.146 (11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) inhibitor;
EC 3.6.3.10 (H(+)/K(+)-exchanging ATPase) inhibitor;
endocrine disruptor;
xenoestrogen
psammaplin apsammaplin A: isolated from marine sponges Poecillastra and Jaspis; structure in second source