Cytochrome P450s (also called CYPs or P450s) are a superfamily of heme-containing monooxygenases. They are distributed in all biological kingdoms. Most fungi have at least two P450-encoding genes, CYP51 and CYP61, which are housekeeping genes that play important roles in the synthesis of sterols. However, the kingdom fungi is an interesting source of numerous P450s. Here, we review reports on fungal P450s and their applications in the bioconversion and biosynthesis of chemicals. We highlight their history, availability, and versatility. We describe their involvement in hydroxylation, dealkylation, oxygenation, C═C epoxidation, C-C cleavage, C-C ring formation and expansion, C-C ring contraction, and uncommon reactions in bioconversion and/or biosynthesis pathways. The ability of P450s to catalyze these reactions makes them promising enzymes for many applications. Thus, we also discuss future prospects in this field. We hope that this review will stimulate further study and exploitation of fungal P450s for specific reactions and applications.
Keywords: bioconversion; biosynthesis; cytochrome P450; enzyme; fungus.
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