Carbonyl reductase 3 (CBR3) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of various carbonyl compounds, converting them into their corresponding alcohols. CBR3 exhibits a strong preference for NADPH as a cofactor and is part of a family of monomeric NADPH-dependent oxidoreductases. Notably, CBR3 shares a close genetic link with another carbonyl reductase gene, CBR1. CBR3 is implicated in the cytostatic effects induced by 9-cis-retinoic acid and has been proposed as a potential prognostic indicator for oral cancers. CBR3 is found in a wide array of tissues, including the ovaries, pancreas, intestines, colon, kidneys, brain, thymus, lungs, heart, liver, spleen, leukocytes, prostate, and testes.
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The CBR3 gene is located on chromosome 21 and contains three exons spanning approximately 11.2 kilobases . It is closely linked to another carbonyl reductase gene, CBR1, and shares high homology in their amino acid sequences . The recombinant form of CBR3 is often expressed in E. coli and purified using conventional chromatography techniques .
CBR3 catalyzes the reduction of a wide range of biologically and pharmacologically active carbonyl compounds, including steroids, prostaglandins, and xenobiotics . The enzyme operates by utilizing NADPH as a cofactor to donate electrons, thereby reducing the carbonyl group to an alcohol . This reduction process is essential for the metabolism and detoxification of various compounds within the body.
CBR3 has been implicated in several physiological and pathological processes. For instance, it has been suggested to mediate 9-cis-retinoic acid-induced cytostasis and is considered a potential prognostic marker for oral malignancy . Additionally, variations in the CBR3 gene have been studied for their potential impact on drug metabolism and resistance, making it a significant target for pharmacogenomic research .
Recombinant human CBR3 is widely used in research to study its enzymatic properties, substrate specificity, and role in various biological pathways . It is also utilized in drug development to screen for potential inhibitors or modulators of its activity, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with carbonyl compound metabolism .