Cytochrome P450 Family (CYP450s or CYPs)

Cytochromes P450 constitute an essential superfamily of hemoprotein monooxygenases responsible for metabolizing endogenous substrates and xenobiotics through oxidative biotransformation processes critical to pharmacology, toxicology, endocrinology, and physiology across species. They are involved in the metabolism of a wide array of substrates including drugs, steroids, and fatty acids. Genetic variability in CYP genes leads to differences in drug response and potential drug-drug interactions. They have a characteristic spectrophotometric absorption peak at 450 nm when reduced and complexed with carbon monoxide.

Other names

Cytochrome P450sP450sCYP enzymesCYPs

Catalyzes phase I oxidative reactions, including hydroxylation and epoxidation, leading to detoxification or activation of drugs. Acts as a monooxygenase, incorporating one atom of molecular oxygen into the substrate and the other into water.