Scientists demystify an enzyme responsible for drug and food metabolism
Friday, November 12, 2010 - 11:10
in Biology & Nature
For the first time, scientists have been able to 'freeze in time' a mysterious process by which a critical enzyme metabolises drugs and chemicals in food. By recreating this process in the lab, a team of researchers has solved a 40-year-old puzzle about changes in a family of enzymes produced by the liver that break down common drugs such as Tylenol, caffeine, and opiates, as well as nutrients in many foods. The breakthrough discovery may help future researchers develop a wide range of more efficient and less-expensive drugs, household products, and other chemicals. The scientists' findings will be published in the journal Science on 12 November 2010...