NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1)

NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) is a cytosolic flavoprotein enzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular defense against oxidative stress and detoxification of quinones. It reduces quinones to hydroquinones, preventing the formation of reactive oxygen species. NQO1 also stabilizes the tumor suppressor p53. Altered expression or function has been linked with increased susceptibility to various cancers and potential involvement in neurodegenerative diseases. It is an important target for drug development, both for chemoprevention strategies and selective activation of anti-cancer agents.

Other names

DT-diaphoraseDTDMenadione reductaseNAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1Quinone reductase 1 (QR1)Azoreductase

Catalyzes the two-electron reduction of quinones to hydroquinones, preventing the formation of semiquinone radicals and reactive oxygen species. Activates certain cancer pro-drugs while protecting normal cells from oxidative damage.