Cytochrome P450 protein family (CYP)

Cytochrome P450 protein family refers to a large and evolutionarily diverse superfamily of enzymes containing heme as a prosthetic group; these proteins catalyze the oxidative metabolism of a wide range of endogenous and exogenous compounds, including drugs, environmental chemicals, steroids, and fatty acids. They are central to drug metabolism, biosynthesis of important signaling molecules, and detoxification processes in all domains of life. In humans, CYP enzymes are primarily found in the liver and are responsible for metabolizing the majority of clinically used drugs. Their activity, genetic variability, and their role in drug interactions have made them key molecules in personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, and toxicology. Individual CYPs are classified by family and subfamily using standardized nomenclature (e.g., CYP2C9, CYP3A4). The superfamily's diversity gives rise to wide interindividual variability in enzyme activity, impacting drug efficacy and safety.

Other names

Cytochrome P450CYP (gene/protein symbol prefix)P450Occasionally CYP450 (less formally)Abbreviation used for family members: e.g., CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP2C19

Enzyme inhibition (competitive, noncompetitive, or mechanism-based inhibition) Enzyme induction (upregulation of CYP expression by some drugs or xenobiotics) Substrate metabolism (active or inactive metabolite formation)