Cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily E member 1 (CYP2E1)

Cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily E member 1 (CYP2E1) is a membrane-bound monooxygenase enzyme found primarily in the liver, where it metabolizes small molecule substrates including ethanol, anesthetics, and chemical carcinogens. It plays crucial roles in drug metabolism, detoxification, and the synthesis of endogenous molecules; however, it can also generate toxic or carcinogenic metabolites. Its expression is highly inducible by ethanol, fasting, diabetes, and other states, and its activity is central to both normal physiology (e.g., gluconeogenesis and fatty acid metabolism) and pathophysiological conditions such as alcoholic liver disease and cancer risk. CYP2E1's ability to metabolize many low molecular weight compounds makes it a key therapeutic target and a source of safety concern when the enzyme is induced or dysfunctional.

Other names

CYP2E1Cytochrome P450 2E1Cytochrome P450, Subfamily IIE (Ethanol-Inducible), Polypeptide 1Cytochrome P450, Family 2, Subfamily E, Polypeptide 1CYP2ECytochrome P450-JEC 1.14.14.14-Nitrophenol 2-Hydroxylase

Oxidation and hydroxylation of substrates. Bioactivation of procarcinogens. Generation of toxic metabolites. Catalysis of monooxygenase reactions: RH + O₂ + 2H⁺ + 2e⁻ → ROH + H₂O