Uridine Diphosphate Unit Converter

Uridine diphosphate (UDP) is a pyrimidine nucleotide made up of uracil, ribose, and two phosphate groups. It acts as a carrier molecule for activated sugars in the body, shuttling sugar units to where they are needed for building glycogen, glycoproteins, and glycolipids.

UDP also functions as an extracellular signaling molecule. When released outside cells, it activates the P2Y6 receptor on immune cells, helping regulate inflammation and immune responses.

Measuring UDP in blood provides a window into pyrimidine metabolism, glycogen synthesis activity, and certain inflammatory or metabolic states.

UDP is produced throughout the body via de novo pyrimidine synthesis, primarily in the liver during fed states and in adipose tissue during fasting. It can also be regenerated through nucleotide salvage pathways in most tissues.