UGT1A1

UGT1A1 is a gene associated with Crigler-Najjar syndrome, and a common splice variant is associated with serious side effects to the common chemotherapeutic drug irinotecan. The primary function of the gene's protein product is uridine diphospate glycosyltrasnferase 1 and is involved in the conversion of lipophilic molocules to water soluble substances suitable for excretion via substrate glycosylation.

Lack of expression of UGT1A1 in the neonatal liver is the major cause of jaundice in newborns. This jaundice is generally caused by massive breakdown of fetal blood cells which produces bilirubin which cannot be cleared if UGT1A1 is expressed at low levels or is absent. This type of jaundice can remedied by UV light exposure.

It transports bilirubin and phenol.