CYP3A7
Description
The CYP3A7 (cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A member 7) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 7.
CYP3A7 is an enzyme belonging to the cytochrome P450 family. It consists of 503 amino acids and shares 87% sequence similarity with CYP3A4. Its function in fetuses is comparable to CYP3A4 in adults. The gene is located on chromosome 7q22.1. The CYP3A group of enzymes are the most abundantly expressed members of the cytochrome P450 family in the liver, responsible for metabolizing over 50% of all clinical pharmaceuticals. CYP3A7 hydroxylates testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone 3-sulphate, playing a role in estriol formation during pregnancy. The CYP3A7 gene is part of a cluster of related genes on chromosome 7q21.1. Readthrough transcription naturally occurs between this gene and the downstream CYP3A51P pseudogene. The CYP3A7*1C allele is linked to poor outcomes in some cancer patients, potentially due to the enzyme's effect on certain chemotherapy agents.
CYP3A7 is a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of steroid hormones and vitamins during embryonic development. Its mechanism involves the insertion of one oxygen atom into a substrate using molecular oxygen, while the second oxygen atom is reduced to water. This process requires two electrons provided by NADPH via cytochrome P450 reductase. CYP3A7 catalyzes the hydroxylation of carbon-hydrogen bonds and metabolizes dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor in the biosynthesis of androgen and estrogen steroid hormones. It also exhibits high catalytic activity in the formation of hydroxyestrogens from estrone, particularly at the C16-alpha position. Additionally, CYP3A7 mainly hydroxylates all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) to 4-hydroxyretinoate, potentially contributing to atRA clearance during fetal development. Furthermore, CYP3A7 is involved in the oxidative metabolism of xenobiotics, including anticonvulsants.
CYP3A7 is also known as CP37, CYPIIIA7, P-450(HFL33), P-450111A7, P450-HFLA, P450HLp2.
