UGCG

UGCG encodes UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG), also known as glucosylceramide synthase (GCS). It catalyzes the rate-limiting step in glycosphingolipid biosynthesis: transferring glucose from UDP-glucose to ceramide to form glucosylceramide. This enzyme modulates membrane lipid composition and cell signaling, interacting with pathways like PI3K/Akt to regulate proliferation and survival.
Dysregulated UGCG links to cancer metastasis (overexpression enhances migration and drug resistance) and neurodegeneration (altered activity may drive α-synuclein aggregation in Parkinson’s disease). Preclinical inhibitors like Genz-123346 target UGCG, showing potential to reduce tumor spread and mitigate lysosomal storage disease pathology.