CYP1A1 and cancer: For example, the CYP1A1 (cytochrome P450) gene, which is present in 15q22-24, is a key metabolic enzyme that activates polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, catalyzes the oxidation of foreign compounds in the body, transforms inactive carcinogens into electrophilic compounds and promotes the formation of DNA adducts, thus generating immunotoxicity and, finally, cancer.