Flavin-containing monooxygenases in aging and disease: Emerging roles for ancient enzymes [Enzymology] (Journal of Biological Chemistry)

Flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) are primarily studied as xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes with a prominent role in drug metabolism. In contrast, endogenous functions and substrates of FMOs are less well understood. A growing body of recent evidence, however, implicates FMOs in aging, several diseases, and metabolic pathways. The evidence suggests an important role for these well-conserved proteins in multiple processes and raises questions about the endogenous substrate(s) and regulation of FMOs. Here, we present an overview of evidence for FMOs` involvement in aging and disease, discussing the biological context and arguing for increased investigation into the function of these enzymes.