Porphyrin Pathway

The porphyrin pathway, also known as the heme biosynthetic pathway, is a highly conserved metabolic route responsible for the synthesis and breakdown of porphyrins—macrocyclic organic compounds composed of four pyrrole subunits linked by methine bridges. This pathway is essential in both animals and plants, leading to the production of critical molecules such as heme (in animals) and chlorophyll (in plants). Defects in this pathway cause *porphyrias*, a group of rare genetic disorders characterized by accumulation of toxic precursors or photoactive porphyrins. These manifest with neurovisceral symptoms or cutaneous photosensitivity depending on which intermediate accumulates.

Inhibition of specific enzymes within the pathway to reduce accumulation of toxic intermediates.