CYB5R3 (NADH-cytochrome b5, reductase 3, diaphorase 1) is a 301 amino acid protein encoded by the human gene CYB5R3. CYB5R3 belongs to the flavoprotein pyridine nucleotide cytochrome reductase family and has two naturally occuring isoforms. Isoform 1 is anchored to the cytoplasmic side of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and mitochondrion outer membrane,while isoform 2 is the soluble form found in erythrocytes. CYB5R3 is involved in the desaturation and elongation of fatty acids, cholesterol biosynthesis,drug metabolism and, in erythrocytes, methemoglobin reduction.