Human UGT2B7 catalyzes morphine glucuronidation.

Article Details

Citation

Coffman BL, Rios GR, King CD, Tephly TR

Human UGT2B7 catalyzes morphine glucuronidation.

Drug Metab Dispos. 1997 Jan;25(1):1-4.

PubMed ID
9010622 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

A human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) catalyzing the glucuronidation of morphine has been identified. A full length cDNA was isolated from a human liver cDNA library and found to be identical to the UGT2B7 form having a tyrosine at position 288. This cDNA was transfected into HK 293 cells, and stable expression was achieved. Cell homogenates and membrane preparations from HK 293 cells expressing UGT2B7 catalyzed the glucuronidation of morphine and other clinically significant opioid agonists, antagonists, and partial agonists. UGT2B7 catalyzed morphine glucuronidation at the 3- and 6-hydroxy positions and also mediated the formation of codeine-6-glucuronide from codeine. This represents the first demonstration of a UGT capable of catalyzing the glucuronidation of both the 3- and 6-positions of opioids. Since humans excrete morphine-3-glucuronide and morphine-6-glucuronide after morphine administration, it is likely that UGT2B7 is a major isoform in humans responsible for the metabolism of this important drug and its surrogates.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Enzymes
DrugEnzymeKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
CodeineUDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7ProteinHumans
Unknown
Substrate
Details
MorphineUDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7ProteinHumans
No
Substrate
Details