Exploring CYP2J2: lipid mediators, inhibitors and therapeutic implications

Abstract

In contrast to other drug-metabolizing cytochrome P₄₅₀ (CYP) oxygenases, CYP2J2 shows considerable extrahepatic activity and is responsible for the olefin epoxidation of several polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) precursors. The resulting epoxylipids act as signaling mediators and show a remarkable variety of biological functions. Recent studies suggest a role of selected CYP2J2-derived epoxylipids and their metabolites in chronic pain, as well as angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, metabolic disorders, and tumor growth. These pleiotropic effects of CYP products imply that targeting CYP2J2 could represent a novel therapeutic strategy in these fields. Here, we explore the biological functions of CYP2J2-derived epoxylipids and discuss therapeutic implications of the CYP2J2 inhibitors that are known so far.