Voriconazole (UK-109, 496), anti-fungal agent

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Cytochrome P450 3A4 also known as CYP3A4 is an enzyme critical to the metabolism of drugs in the human body. It belongs to the cytochrome P450 superfamily and has a molecular mass of about 57 kDa. This enzyme is widely expressed in the liver and small intestine where it performs its metabolic functions. Another related group includes Maxi Potassium channel alpha (SLO) and Maxi Potassium channel beta (KCNMB1) which are important for potassium ion transport across cell membranes. CYP2C9 a parallel enzyme to CYP3A4 plus the extended group of enzymes such as CYP2C8 CYP2C19 and CYP2B6 also play similar roles in metabolism and are found in similar tissue distributions.

Biological function summary

Proteins like CYP3A4 facilitate the oxidation of organic substances including many pharmaceuticals. It is part of a large complex of enzymes that contribute to the modification and breakdown of molecules. CYP3A4 shares functional roles with homologous proteins like CYP2C9 which also participates in drug metabolism. Maxi Potassium channel proteins including SLO and KCNMB1 contribute to establishing the cell's electrical status and regulating physiological processes such as muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release.

Pathways

CYP3A4 plays a role in the metabolism pathway particularly the oxidative breakdown of drugs and toxins. It interacts with CYP2C9 in the metabolism of several important drugs forming a critical component of the detoxification process. Similarly Maxi Potassium channels contribute to the cellular signalling pathway by modulating membrane potential alongside related ion channel proteins which supports proper cardiac skeletal and smooth muscle function.

Enzymes such as CYP3A4 along with related proteins like CYP2C9 have links to conditions of altered drug metabolism such as adverse drug reactions due to polymorphic variations in these enzymes. The Maxi Potassium channel proteins can be associated with disorders like cardiac arrhythmias due to their role in ion transport regulation. These relationships highlight the importance of these proteins in maintaining proper metabolic and physiological functions and the consequences when these processes are disrupted.