Description
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2, EC 1.14.14.1) is a member of the cytochrome P450 monooxidase (CYP) family of microsomal xenobiotic metabolism enzymes. CYPs are membrane-bound hemeproteins responsible for Phase I biotransformation reactions, in which lipophilic drugs and other xenobiotic compounds are converted to more hydrophilic products to facilitate excretion from the body. CYP1A2 is primarily expressed in liver, intestinal and olfactory mucosal tissue and catalyzes oxidation of polyaromatic and heterocyclic molecules such as aromatic amines. CYP1A2 is responsible for metabolism of approximately 10% of all small molecule drugs commonly used by humans. Polymorphisms in the human CYP1A2 gene have been implicated in clinical drug/drug interactions involving widely-used drugs, including caffeine, theophylline and the antipsychotic clozapine. Isoforms of the CYP1A subfamily are also involved in metabolic activation of environmental pro-carcinogens present in cigarette smoke and combustion exhaust fumes