Overview of Heme Degradation Pathway

Heme oxygenase 1 and 2 activities are responsible for initiating most of the degradation of heme, although other enzyme pathways play a role as well. The degradation pathway also includes biliverdin reductase, the activity of which is coupled to oxidation of NADH and NADPH. This overview discusses the pathways and enzymes involved in heme degradation.