This gene encodes a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes. The cytochrome P450 proteins are monooxygenases which catalyze many reactions involved in drug metabolism and synthesis of cholesterol, steroids and other lipids. This endoplasmic reticulum protein acts on retinoids, including all-trans-retinoic acid (RA), with both 4-hydroxylation and 18-hydroxylation activities. This enzyme regulates the cellular level of retinoic acid which is involved in regulation of gene expression in both embryonic and adult tissues. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene, which encode the distinct isoforms, have been reported.CYP26A1 (Cytochrome P450 Family 26 Subfamily A Member 1) is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with CYP26A1 include Caudal Regression Syndrome and Mixed Germ Cell Cancer. Among its related pathways are Signaling by Retinoic Acid and Cytochrome P450 - arranged by substrate type. GO annotations related to this gene include iron ion binding and oxidoreductase activity, acting on paired donors, with incorporation or reduction of molecular oxygen. An important paralog of this gene is CYP26C1.