Topic Editors

Laboratory of Enzyme Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 118 55 Athens, Greece
Prof. Dr. Anastassios C. Papageorgiou
Turku Bioscience Centre, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland

Phase I and Phase II Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Enzymes: Structure, Function, and Regulation

Abstract submission deadline
28 February 2025
Manuscript submission deadline
30 April 2025
Viewed by
48

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Enzymes that catalyse the biotransformation of foreign compounds are generally referred to as xenobiotics‐metabolizing enzymes (XMEs). XMEs catalyse functionalization and conjugation reactions that lead to the conversion of xenobiotics to more water-soluble compounds, facilitating the excretion of xenobiotics from the cell. The biotransformation reactions of xenobiotics are classified into two sequential phases: phase I (oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis reactions) and phase II (conjugation reactions). Phase I reactions expose or introduce a functional group (—OH, —NH2, —SH, or —COOH), and they usually only result in a small increase in hydrophilicity. Phase II biotransformation reactions include glucuronidation, sulfation, acetylation, methylation, and conjugation with the tripeptide glutathione, which usually result in increased hydrophilicity and elimination. XMEs typically have highly plastic active sites that can accommodate a variety of substrates. It is well established that the combination of phase I and phase II XMEs and the resulting balance between metabolic activation and detoxification may be critical for the toxicity of xenobiotics. The human genome contains a large number of genes that encode XMEs. Genetic and functional variations in these genes are substantial and have complex consequences that depend, for example, on whether enzyme structure or expression is affected, or whether the metabolites produced are pharmacologically or toxicologically active. XMEs are often coordinately induced by a variety of chemical agents through the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signalling pathway, which plays a critical role in the expression of many XMEs and acts as a sensor of oxidative stress. For this topic, we welcome reviews and/or original research papers in the field of XMEs in various organisms (humans, animals, invertebrates, plants, etc.). XMEs are key players among the many enzyme and transporter systems affecting the therapeutic or toxic effects of a xenobiotic. Structural/functional information about the XME-mediated biotransformation of xenobiotics is just one piece of a bigger puzzle when studying toxic outcomes in humans or environmental species. Researchers are cordially invited to submit studies relevant to these topics.

Prof. Dr. Nikolaos Labrou
Prof. Dr. Anastassios C. Papageorgiou
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • xenobiotics
  • metabolites
  • environmental contaminants
  • biotransformation enzymes
  • drug-metabolizing enzymes
  • drug design
  • drug interactions
  • drug metabolism
  • xenobiotic metabolism

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
BioChem
biochem
- - 2021 54 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Biomolecules
biomolecules
4.8 9.4 2011 16.9 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Journal of Xenobiotics
jox
6.8 5.3 2011 21.7 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Kinases and Phosphatases
kinasesphosphatases
- - 2023 15.0 days * CHF 1000 Submit
Pharmaceuticals
pharmaceuticals
4.3 6.1 2004 14.6 Days CHF 2900 Submit

* Median value for all MDPI journals in the second half of 2023.


Preprints.org is a multidiscipline platform providing preprint service that is dedicated to sharing your research from the start and empowering your research journey.

MDPI Topics is cooperating with Preprints.org and has built a direct connection between MDPI journals and Preprints.org. Authors are encouraged to enjoy the benefits by posting a preprint at Preprints.org prior to publication:

  1. Immediately share your ideas ahead of publication and establish your research priority;
  2. Protect your idea from being stolen with this time-stamped preprint article;
  3. Enhance the exposure and impact of your research;
  4. Receive feedback from your peers in advance;
  5. Have it indexed in Web of Science (Preprint Citation Index), Google Scholar, Crossref, SHARE, PrePubMed, Scilit and Europe PMC.

Published Papers

This Topic is now open for submission.
Back to TopTop