CYP26C1

A cytochrome P450 monooxygenase involved in the metabolism of retinoates (RAs), the active metabolites of vitamin A, and critical signaling molecules in animals. RAs exist as at least four different isomers: all-trans-RA (atRA), 9-cis-RA, 13-cis-RA, and 9,13-dicis-RA, where atRA is considered to be the biologically active isomer, although 9-cis-RA and 13-cis-RA also have activity (Probable). Catalyzes the oxidation of atRA primarily at C-4. Oxidation of atRA limits its biological activity and initiates a degradative process leading to its eventual elimination, thereby contributes to the regulation of atRA homeostasis and signaling (Probable). Able to metabolize other RAs such as 9-cis with high efficiency. Can oxidize all-trans-13,14-dihydroretinoate (DRA) to metabolites which could include all-trans-4-oxo-DRA, all-trans-4-hydroxy-DRA, all-trans-5,8-epoxy-DRA, and all-trans-18-hydroxy-DRA (By similarity). Shares sequence similarity with other CYP26 family members, but has higher affinity to 9-cis-RA and is much less sensitive to the inhibitory effects of ketoconazole. In cooperation with Cyp26a1, contributes to the CNS patterning and the development of regions of higher visual acuity (By similarity)..

Function from UniProtKB (Q6V0L0), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.