Received for publication July 2, 2008.
Revised July 6, 2008.
Accepted for publication July 14, 2008.

The development of drug metabolism research as expressed in the publications of ASPET Part 3-1984-2008

Abstract

The dramatic changes in drug metabolism research in the last 25 years are well documented in the publications of ASPET. New analytical tools combined with modern molecular biological techniques have provided unprecedented access to the workings of the cell. A field that concentrated on only a handful of primary enzymes now has a list of hundreds in its purview. Genetic variation, environmental impact and molecular diversity have all come under study in attempts to follow the fate of drugs and chemicals. Examples from ASPET journals will be used to illustrate the dramatic advancements in the field.

Key words: ABC transporters, cytochrome P450, drug disposition, drug interactions, enzyme induction, human CYP enzymes, metabolite identification, nuclear receptors