| Definition | Uridine-5'-diphosphate, also known as udp or uridine 5'-diphosphoric acid, is a member of the class of compounds known as pyrimidine ribonucleoside diphosphates. Pyrimidine ribonucleoside diphosphates are pyrimidine ribonucleotides with diphosphate group linked to the ribose moiety. Uridine-5'-diphosphate is slightly soluble (in water) and a moderately acidic compound (based on its pKa). Uridine-5'-diphosphate can be found in a number of food items such as napa cabbage, lichee, tea leaf willow, and parsnip, which makes uridine-5'-diphosphate a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products. Uridine-5'-diphosphate can be found primarily in blood, as well as in human placenta, prostate and thyroid gland tissues. Uridine-5'-diphosphate exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. In humans, uridine-5'-diphosphate is involved in several metabolic pathways, some of which include morphine action pathway, androgen and estrogen metabolism, estrone metabolism, and amino sugar metabolism. Uridine-5'-diphosphate is also involved in several metabolic disorders, some of which include 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase III deficiency, acute intermittent porphyria, beta ureidopropionase deficiency, and g(m2)-gangliosidosis: variant B, tay-sachs disease. |
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