Research Interests:
My research is centered around a single, remarkable,
class of enzymes, the cytochrome P450s.
These enzymes are present in nearly all life forms
ranging from simple one-celled organisms to humans,
and catalyze oxidative or reductive reactions in support
of a variety of cellular functions. In humans, one of the
primary functions is the removal of foreign chemicals
(including many pharmaceutical agents) from the body.
The enzymes use molecular oxygen and the cellular
reducing agent NADPH to oxidize the foreign compounds
which usually facilitates their elimination by a supporting
class of enzymes called Phase II enzymes.