背景
This gene, CYP1A1, encodes a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes. The
cytochrome P450 proteins are monooxygenases which catalyze many reactions involved in
drug metabolism and synthesis of cholesterol, steroids and other lipids. This protein localizes
to the endoplasmic reticulum and its expression is induced by some polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), some of which are found in cigarette smoke. The enzyme's
endogenous substrate is unknown; however, it is able to metabolize some PAHs to
carcinogenic intermediates. The gene has been associated with lung cancer risk. A related
family member, CYP1A2, is located approximately 25 kb away from CYP1A1 on chromosome
15. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms.
