New insights on the marine cytochrome P450 enzymes and their biotechnological importance.

The monooxygenase enzymes, cytochrome P450s (CYPs), are ubiquitous in their presence and versatile in their functions. They are indispensable for hormone synthesis, dietary metabolism, and detoxification among other roles. CYPs from marine organisms are interesting candidates for recruitment in drug biotransformation, synthesis of therapeutics, bioconversion of xenobiotics, degradation of chemical carcinogens, and for use as ecotoxicological tools. However, excess CYP production in marine organisms indicates a 'stressed condition', which has a negative impact on the ecological balance. This review discusses the CYPs in marine organisms of various phyla, their application potentials, as well as the need to restore normal CYP level in them to regulate the relationship between marine organisms and environment.