Technologies

The NADH cytochrome b5 reductase/cytochrome b5 system can transfer electrons to other enzymes, including those involved in the metabolism of fatty acids, toxins and drugs. In the past, NADH cytochrome b5 reductase has been considered a “helper” enzyme, with no direct role in drug metabolism. UW-Madison researchers have now shown that NADH cytochrome b5 reductase, along with cytochrome b5, can directly metabolize a hydroxylamine drug metabolite that may be important in sulfonamide drug hypersensitivity. Thus, NADH cytochrome b5 reductase and cytochrome b5 play a direct role in drug detoxification. Since many compounds generate hydroxylamine metabolites, including AIDS drugs and some carcinogens, differences in the activity or expression of the NADH cytochrome b5 reductase system may be important in drug toxicity and possibly carcinogenesis.

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing methods of measuring differences in the activity or expression of the NADH cytochrome b5 reductase system to analyze drug toxicity and possibly carcinogenesis.