Cytochrome P450 3A4
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (pronounced as "sigh-toe-chrome P-four-fifty three-A-four"), often abbreviated as CYP3A4, is a crucial enzyme involved in the metabolism of a wide variety of substances in the human body.
Etymology
The term "Cytochrome P450" is derived from the spectral line at 450 nm observed when the enzyme is reduced and complexed with carbon monoxide. The "3A4" part of the name indicates the family (3), subfamily (A), and individual gene number (4) of this particular enzyme.
Function
Cytochrome P450 3A4 is a member of the Cytochrome P450 family of enzymes. These enzymes are primarily located in the liver and the intestines. They play a key role in the body's ability to metabolize drugs, toxins, and endogenous compounds. CYP3A4 is known for its ability to metabolize a wide range of xenobiotics and endogenous compounds, making it one of the most important enzymes in pharmacology.
Related Terms
- Cytochrome P450: The family of enzymes that CYP3A4 belongs to.
- Xenobiotics: Foreign substances in the body that are metabolized by enzymes like CYP3A4.
- Endogenous compounds: Substances naturally produced within the body that are metabolized by enzymes like CYP3A4.
- Pharmacology: The study of how substances interact with living organisms to produce a change in function.
See Also
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