The catalytic activity of CYP3A4 involves the activation of molecular oxygen, which is then incorporated into the substrate. This process begins with the binding of the substrate to the enzyme’s active site. Once bound, the enzyme undergoes a series of electron transfer steps that culminate in the formation of a highly reactive oxo-iron species. This intermediate is capable of inserting an oxygen atom into the substrate, leading to various oxidative transformations, such as hydroxylation, epoxidation, and N-dealkylation.
