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. However, this protein is considered a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily on the basis of sequence similarity rather than functional similarity. This endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein catalyzes the conversion of prostglandin H2 to prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2), a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation. An imbalance of prostacyclin and its physiological antagonist thromboxane A2 contribute to the development of myocardial infarction, stroke, and atherosclerosis. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],catalytic activity:(5Z,13E)-(15S)-9-alpha,11-alpha-epidioxy-15-hydroxyprosta-5,13-dienoate = (5Z,13E)-(15S)-6,9-alpha-epoxy-11-alpha,15-dihydroxyprosta-5,13-dienoate.,cofactor:Heme group.,function:Catalyzes the isomerization of prostaglandin H2 to prostacyclin (= prostaglandin I2).,online information:CYP8A1 alleles,similarity:Belongs to the cytochrome P450 family.,tissue specificity:Widely expressed, particularly abundant in ovary, heart, skeletal muscle, lung and prostate.,
