This gene encodes uracil phosphoribosyltransferase, which catalyzes the conversion of uracil and 5-phosphoribosyl-1-R-diphosphate to uridine monophosphate (UMP). This reaction is an important part of nucleotide metabolism, specifically the pyrimidine salvage pathway. The enzyme localizes to the nucleus and cytoplasm. The protein is a potential target for rational design of drugs to treat parasitic infections and cancer. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2009].