The protein encoded by this gene converts UDP-glucose to UDP-glucuronate and thereby participates in the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, and heparan sulfate. These glycosylated compounds are common components of the extracellular matrix and likely play roles in signal transduction, cell migration, and cancer growth and metastasis. The expression of this gene is up-regulated by transforming growth factor beta and down-regulated by hypoxia. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.[provided by RefSeq, May 2010],catalytic activity:UDP-glucose + 2 NAD(+) + H(2)O = UDP-glucuronate + 2 NADH.,function:Involved in the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, and heparan sulfate.,pathway:Nucleotide-sugar biosynthesis, UDP-glucuronic acid biosynthesis, UDP-glucuronic acid from UDP-glucose: step 1/1.,similarity:Belongs to the UDP-glucose/GDP-mannose dehydrogenase family.,subunit:Homohexamer.,
