Updated UGT1A1 VIP Summary

We have updated the UGT1A1 VIP summary to provide more in-depth information on this important pharmacogene. UGT1A1 is a member of the uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzyme family, and is responsible for the glucuronidation of target substrates. The transfer of glucuronic acid renders xenobiotics and other endogenous compounds water soluble, allowing for their biliary or renal elimination. Pharmaceutical drugs are a common substrate of UGT1A1, making this enzyme relevant to pharmacogenetic research. The VIP summary posted on PharmGKB gives background on the UGT family and summarizes the function of UGT1A1, as well as the roles of UGT1A1 alleles in diseases and pharmacogenetics. In particular, certain genetic variants of UGT1A1 have been implicated in adverse reactions to irinotecan. For more information, please read the entire UGT1A1 VIP summary at PharmGKB. View all VIP gene summaries at PharmGKB.