GeneID: 157

Description:
Heme oxygenase is an essential enzyme in heme catabolism. It cleaves heme to produce biliverdin, which is rapidly converted to the bile pigment bilirubin by biliverdin reductase, carbon monoxide, which acts as a neurotransmitter, and iron. Heme oxygenase activity is induced by its substrate heme, as well as various nonheme substances. Heme oxygenase occurs as 2 isozymes, an inducible heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) and a constitutive heme oxygenase-2 (HMOX2). Under physiological conditions, the activity of heme oxygenase is highest in the spleen, where senescent erythrocytes are sequestrated and destroyed. Exhibits cytoprotective effects since excess of free heme sensitizes cells to undergo apoptosis. A functional SNP in the HMOX2 gene associated with haemoglobin (Hb) levels in Tibetan highlanders, suggesting that HMOX2 may function as a modifier in the regulation of Hb metabolism for high-altitude adaptation.

Synonyms: HO-2

Comments:
N/A

Number of entries/variants: 1

1. Yang D, Peng Y, Ouzhuluobu , Bianbazhuoma , Cui C, Bianba , Wang L, Xiang K, He Y, Zhang H, Zhang X, Liu J, Shi H, Pan Y, Duojizhuoma , Dejiquzong , Cirenyangji , Baimakangzhuo , Gonggalanzi , Liu S, Gengdeng , Wu T, Chen H, Qi X, Su B, HMOX2 Functions as a Modifier Gene for High-Altitude Adaptation in Tibetans., Hum. Mutat. , 37(2), 216-23, 2016 PubMed