CYP1A2 is a gene that provides instructions for making an enzyme called cytochrome P450 1A2. This enzyme is primarily found in the liver, where it plays a role in the metabolism of a variety of substances, including drugs, caffeine, and certain chemicals in food and tobacco smoke.
CYP1A2 is involved in the breakdown and elimination of many drugs, including some antidepressants, antiarrhythmics, and antipsychotics. Variations in the CYP1A2 gene can affect the activity of the enzyme, which can impact how an individual responds to certain medications.
In addition to drug metabolism, CYP1A2 is also involved in the activation and detoxification of various environmental toxins, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in cigarette smoke and charred foods. These compounds are converted by CYP1A2 into more water-soluble forms that can be excreted from the body.
Overall, CYP1A2 is an important enzyme in the body’s metabolism of drugs and other substances, and variations in the gene encoding it can have significant effects on an individual’s drug response and susceptibility to environmental toxins.
