Polymorphism and CYP450

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Polymorphism and CYP450

To discuss PGx, we must first define two terms - polymorphism and cytochrome P450 (CYP450).

A polymorphism is a variation in a gene (allele) that affects at least 1% of the population.

CYP450 refers to a family of enzymes found predominantly in the liver. CYP450 enzymes work on a variety of substrates (drugs), altering their chemical structures to facilitate excretion in the urine and feces.

There are many known polymorphisms in CYP450 enzymes.