Epoxide hydrolase 4 (EPHX4)

Epoxide hydrolase 4 (EPHX4) is an enzyme and member of the epoxide hydrolase family, sharing the alpha/beta hydrolase fold typical of this group[2][3][5]. EPHX4 is mainly expressed in the brain, and possesses a predicted N-terminal transmembrane anchor with the remainder of the protein forming a hydrolase alpha/beta fold domain[2]. Its precise physiological substrates and functions remain largely uncharacterized. Unlike other epoxide hydrolases (such as EPHX1 and EPHX2), which are involved in xenobiotic detoxification and endogenous lipid signaling, EPHX4 does not appear to play a major role in xenobiotic metabolism[2]. Genomic data and predictive analysis suggest hydrolase activity, likely toward certain endogenous epoxides[6], but definitive in vivo function, disease relevance, and druggability are still unknown. Mutations in EPHX4 have been associated with rare syndromic diseases (e.g., Bardet-Biedl syndrome 7 and polyneuropathy, hearing loss, ataxia, and retinitis pigmentosa), but the mechanistic role is unvalidated[3]. While it is a valid molecular target in principle due to its enzyme classification, there are currently no drugs, established biomarkers, or clinical interventions for this enzyme.

Other names

Abhydrolase domain-containing protein 7ABHD7EH4Epoxide hydrolase-related proteinEPHXRPFLJ90341