FMO1 Background Information
The Flavin containing monooxygenase family consists of five gene products, FMO1-5, that are major enzymatic oxidants involved in the metabolism of various therapeutics. FMO1, also known as dimethylaniline oxidase 1 or dimethylaniline monooxygenase (N-oxide-forming) 1, is a 532 amino acid protein localized to the microsome and endoplasmic reticulum membranes. In human fetuses, the FMO1 gene is expressed in the liver, but shortly after birth, expression is switched off. However, the gene continues to be expressed in adult kidney and, to a lesser extent, in intestine. In all other mammals, the FMO1 gene continues to be expressed in liver after birth. Functionally, FMO1 is involved in the oxidative metabolism of a variety of xenobiotics, such as drugs and pesticides, primarily by catalyzing the N-oxygenation of secondary and tertiary amines. The gene encoding FMO1 is located on chromosome 1q24.3.
