The cytochrome P450 proteins are monooxygenases which catalyze many reactions involved in drug metabolism and synthesis of cholesterol, steroids and other lipids.

This protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum but its specific substrate has not yet been determined.

An additional gene, CYP2C17, was once thought to exist; however, CYP4217 is now considered an artefact based on a chimera of CYP2C18 and CYP2C19.

[7] CYP2C18 also possesses epoxygenase activity: it can attack various long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids at their double (i.e. alkene) bonds to form epoxide products that act as signaling agents.

[8][9][10] While CYP2C19, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2J2, and possibly CYP2S1 are the main producers of EETs and, very likely EEQs, EDPs, and the epoxides of linoleic acid, CYP2C18 may contribute to the production of these metabolites in certain tissues.