CYTOCHROMA DISCOVERS NEW GENE CYP26C.

Cytochroma Inc., Markham, On., has discovered a new gene named CYP26C which encodes a retinoic acid metabolizing enzyme.

"Our discovery of the third member of this family of cytochrome P450s gives us an exclusive advantage to develop CYP26 specific and pan inhibitors for a wide range of potential applications", stated Dr. Robert Foldes, president & CEO.

Cytochroma demonstrated that CYP26C, and not CYP26A or CYP26B, metabolizes 9-cis retinoic acid. All three members of the CYP26 family metabolize all-trans retinoic acid. It is well known that 9-cis and all-tr