Cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily W member 1 (CYP2W1)

Cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily W member 1 (CYP2W1) is an enzyme belonging to the cytochrome P450 superfamily of monooxygenases, catalyzing oxidative reactions involved in drug, carcinogen, and endogenous substrate metabolism[1][2]. CYP2W1 displays a distinct expression pattern: it is highly expressed during fetal development, especially in the colon, and normally silenced in adult tissues, but is aberrantly re-expressed in various malignancies, particularly colorectal, hepatic, and adrenocortical tumors[1][3][4]. Its biological roles include metabolism of retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), lysophospholipids, and activation of specific prodrugs to cytotoxic metabolites within tumor tissue, making it an attractive target for tumor-selective chemotherapy[1][3][4][5]. Due to its restricted tumor-specific expression and role in drug activation, CYP2W1 is currently being explored as a prognostic biomarker and as a novel therapeutic avenue in cancer, especially for prodrug-based strategies.

Other names

Cytochrome P450 2W1CYP2W1FLJ20359MGC34287CYPIIW1cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily W, polypeptide 1

Prodrug activation: CYP2W1 selectively bioactivates prodrugs (e.g., duocarmycins, AQ4N) within tumors, converting them into cytotoxic compounds for targeted therapy Metabolic oxidation and hydroxylation of retinoids and phospholipids