Guide to Cytochromes P450: Structure and Function PDF

Preface

Research in the cytochromes P450 superfamily represents a rapid growth area of scientific endeavor. There are now more papers published in this field than in any other area of science. Consequently, a new text on cytochromes P450 appears every few years, containing more recent information and usually covering a proportion of the specific areas of interest. The fundamental importance of these enzymes in toxicology is rarely emphasized sufficiently by authors and editors; so it is hoped that, to some extent, this book will redress that balance.

For a subject as vast and detailed as P450, it is impossible to be fully exhaustive in a book of this length, but the reader is directed to reviews and other references where further information may be obtained on those areas where the demands of space have limited the extent of coverage in the text. In writing this book, I have borne in mind the requirements of students in the biological sciences (such as biochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology) together with the needs of research workers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries engaged in novel compound design and development, those involved with drug and other xenobiotic metabolism, and scientists in the governmental regulatory authorities concerned with the safety evaluation of chemicals.

In particular, this volume will cover those aspects of the cytochromes P450 that are relevant to an understanding of their structure, function and mechanisms of action, such as physicochemical methods of characterization, redox interactions, evolution and genetics, experimental and theoretical models, induction, inhibition and metabolism, including pathways of activation and detoxication. Due to the weight of subject material, with over 1000 papers published per annum since 1986, it is only possible to provide an overview of many areas; but key references should direct the interested reader, seeking more in-depth information, to delve further into some of those facets of P450 research which have had to be condensed due to the requirements of space and brevity.

Author: David F.V. Lewis