Cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A member 4 (CYP3A4)

Cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A member 4 (CYP3A4) is the most abundant phase I drug-metabolizing enzyme in the liver and intestine and is responsible for the metabolism of roughly 30-50% of clinically used drugs as well as numerous endogenous substrates, including steroid hormones and bile acids. It functions as a monooxygenase, catalyzing a wide range of oxidative reactions such as hydroxylation, dealkylation, and epoxidation, thereby facilitating detoxification, activation, or elimination of drugs and xenobiotics. CYP3A4 activity can be induced or inhibited by various substances, causing significant drug interactions, toxicity, or altered therapeutic efficacy. Genetic polymorphisms, environmental exposure (diet, drugs), and disease states all contribute to inter-individual variability in CYP3A4 expression and function, making it a critical factor in drug safety and personalized medicine.

Other names

Cytochrome P-450 CYP3ACytochrome P450 3A4CYP3A4Albendazole monooxygenaseNifedipine oxidaseQuinine 3-monooxygenaseTaurochenodeoxycholate 6-α-hydroxylaseAlbendazole sulfoxidaseCytochrome P450, subfamily IIIA (nifedipine oxidase), polypeptide 4

Substrate oxidation (mainly via monooxygenation, hydroxylation, dealkylation, epoxidation, etc.); Inactivation (deactivation) of drugs through oxidative metabolism; Bioactivation of prodrugs and protoxins into active or toxic metabolites.