Chapter 44 - Pharmacogenomics in China

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the pharmacogenomic and translational characteristics of drug-metabolizing enzymes, drug receptors, drug transporters, and ion channels, as well as the role of genotype on herb–drug interactions in Chinese populations. Pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic studies have established the importance of polymorphic drug-metabolizing enzymes, receptors, transporters, and ion channels in the differential responses of patients to drugs. Among these target genes, cytochrome P450 has become the most important to extensive studies concerning individual drug metabolism, disposition variation. The association of decreased drug clearance with the activity of several CYP enzymes, the inherited nature of CYP enzymes’ deficiencies, frequencies, and clinical importance have been extensively evaluated. During the past 10years, the genetic polymorphisms of transporters and receptors have been increasingly studied at the protein and gene level. We have demonstrated that genetic differences in ion channels reflect differences in the distribution of polymorphic traits, such as disease susceptibility and drug efficacy or tolerability. This has become a rising component of pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics research. In the coming years, translational and personalized medicine will become a major force in the evolution of modern medicine in China and the world.