Riboflavin kinase

Flavin mononucleotide (FMN), or riboflavin-5′-phosphate, sold under the brand name Epioxa, is a biomolecule produced from riboflavin (vitamin B₂) by the enzyme riboflavin kinase and functions as the prosthetic group of various oxidoreductases, including NADH dehydrogenase, as well as a cofactor in biological blue-light photo receptors. During the catalytic cycle, various oxidoreductases induce reversible interconversions between the oxidized (FMN), semiquinone (FMNH), and reduced (FMNH₂) forms of the isoalloxazine core. FMN is a stronger oxidizing agent than NAD and is particularly useful because it can take part in both one- and two-electron transfers. In its role as blue-light photo receptor, (oxidized) FMN stands out from the 'conventional' photo receptors as the signaling state and not an E/Z isomerization.

It is the principal form in which riboflavin is found in cells and tissues. It requires more energy to produce, but is more soluble than riboflavin. In cells, FMN occurs freely circulating but also in several covalently bound forms. Covalently or non-covalently bound FMN is a cofactor of many enzymes playing an important pathophysiological role in cellular metabolism. For example dissociation of flavin mononucleotide from mitochondrial complex I has been shown to occur during ischemia/reperfusion brain injury during stroke.