cytochrome P450 family 26 subfamily A member 1(CYP26A1) Homo sapiens This gene encodes a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes. The cytochrome P450 proteins are monooxygenases which catalyze many reactions involved in drug metabolism and synthesis of cholesterol, steroids and other lipids. This endoplasmic reticulum protein acts on retinoids, including all-trans-retinoic acid (RA), with both 4-hydroxylation and 18-hydroxylation activities. This enzyme regulates the cellular level of retinoic acid which is involved in regulation of gene expression in both embryonic and adult tissues. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene, which encode the distinct isoforms, have been reported. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],cofactor:Heme group.,function:Plays a key role in retinoic acid metabolism. Acts on retinoids, including all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) and its stereoisomer 9-cis-RA. Capable of both 4-hydroxylation and 18-hydroxylation. Responsible for generation of several hydroxylated forms of RA, including 4-OH-RA, 4-oxo-RA and 18-OH-RA.,induction:By retinoic acid.,similarity:Belongs to the cytochrome P450 family.,tissue specificity:Highest levels in adult liver, heart, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, placenta and regions of the brain.,