UDP Glucuronosyltransferase 2 Family, Polypeptide B4 (UGT2B4)

UGT2B4 is mainly involved in the glucuronidation of hyodeoxycholic acid, a bile acid, and catechol-estrogens, such as 17-epiestriol and 4-hydroxy-estrone.The expression of the UGT2B4 enzyme is upregulated by the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor which is activated by bile acids. These same bile acids are substrates for the UGT2B4 enzyme. Hence upregulation of UGT2B4 by activated FXR provides a mechanism for the detection, conjugation and subsequent elimination of toxic bile acids. The predicted 528-amino acid UGT2B4 protein contained an N-terminal signal peptide and a C-terminal transmembrane hydrophobic region. Mammalian cells expressing UGT2B4 produced a 51-kD protein that was recognized by a UGT-specific polyclonal antibody.