Epoxide hydrolase 3 (EPHX3)

Epoxide hydrolase 3 (EPHX3) is a membrane-bound enzyme encoded by the EPHX3 gene, a member of the epoxide hydrolase family and part of the alpha/beta hydrolase fold superfamily[1][3]. It efficiently hydrolyzes certain lipid epoxides—especially linoleate epoxides and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids—in vitro, though its physiological role appears context-dependent and may be limited or functionally redundant under normal conditions[2][3]. EPHX3 is highly expressed in barrier and epithelial tissues (skin, lung, stomach, tongue, esophagus), suggesting a potential involvement in local xenobiotic or lipid metabolism[1][3]. Reduced EPHX3 expression correlates with worse clinical outcomes and immune dysregulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, marking it as a potential biomarker for cancer prognosis[2]. Despite in vitro enzymatic activity, EPHX3 disruption in mice does not substantially alter global fatty acid epoxide/diol ratios, indicating non-essential or compensable activity in vivo[3]. No specific drugs targeting EPHX3 are currently described, and there are no established clinical safety concerns directly associated with this target[2][3].

Other names

ABHD9EH3Abhydrolase domain-containing protein 9epoxide hydrolase 3abhydrolase domain containing 9abhydrolase domain-containing protein 9

Epoxide hydrolysis (in vitro catalysis of lipid epoxides to less reactive diol products)