Exploring the Role of Azoreductase Enzymes in Drug Metabolism: Implications for Personalized Medicine

Najoude Claude ’26, Biology major Robert Ghergurovich ’26, Biochemistry major Faculty mentor: Dr. Tyler Stack, Chemistry and Biochemistry The gut microbiome hosts trillions of microorganisms that metabolize xenobiotics such as drugs and food dyes. Individual differences lead to variable drug metabolism. We studied two azoreductases: E. coli’s P41407 and Alistipes sp. CHKCL003’s A0A143XFE8. Enzyme P41407 acted on methyl red and ethyl red, while A0A143XFE8 acted on these and also on phenol blue, HMND, and sunset yellow. We propose these enzymes function as quinone reductases, requiring a quinone-like intermediate. Three synthesized compounds confirmed similar kinetics. In conclusion, these insights significantly advance our understanding of microbiome-drug interactions and open promising new avenues for personalized medicine.