Gene CYP2A6
Back to Curriculum
Also known as
CPA6, P450C2A, CYP2A3, cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily A member 6Overview
CYP2A6 (Cytochrome P450 Family 2 Subfamily A Member 6) encodes the primary enzyme responsible for nicotine metabolism in humans. This hepatic enzyme converts nicotine to cotinine and is also involved in the metabolism of several medications, environmental toxins, and the activation of tobacco-specific nitrosamines.CYP2A6 is one of the most polymorphic cytochrome P450 genes, with over 40 variant alleles identified. Slow metabolizers (with reduced function variants) clear nicotine more slowly, leading to lower cigarette consumption and easier quitting. However, slow metabolizers who do smoke may have higher exposure to carcinogenic nitrosamines. Variant frequencies differ dramatically across populations, being common in Asian populations.
Understanding your CYP2A6 genetic status has important implications for smoking behavior prediction, cessation strategy selection, and potentially for nicotine replacement therapy dosing. This pharmacogenetic information can help personalize approaches to smoking cessation treatment.