Cytochromes are coloured iron-containing proteins that transfer electrons during cellular respiration and photosynthesis. The Cytochrome P450 family of enzymes catalyze reactions whereby water-insoluble drugs or metabolites, that would otherwise reach toxic levels in cell membranes, are rendered suitably water-soluble to leave the cell and be excreted in the urine. Due to the extensive nature of this subject, which is an area of intense scientific interest, the field is rapidly advancing and there is a need for new textbooks to keep abreast of the latest developments. The book fulfils that role in providing a fast-track approach for those coming into the P450 field, either at postgraduate level or in particular within the pharmaceutical industry.A Guide to Cytochrome P450 Structure and Function acts as an adjunct to the previous book Cytochromes P450: Structure, Function and Mechanism. Itreviews the current status of the P450 field in terms of our present knowledge and understanding of the enzymes structure and function, including their multiplicity of forms, diversity of substrates, and selectivity. This is brought together with the latest research topics, including pharmacogenetics, regulation, human DMEs, toxicity screening and molecule modeling, to provide a fast-track approach for those new to the field.
