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PubMed1997

Cytochrome ba3 from Natronobacterium pharaonis--an archaeal four-subunit cytochrome-c-type oxidase.

Cytochrome ba3, a terminal oxidase was isolated from the haloalkaliphilic archaeon Natronobacterium pharaonis. NH2-terminal sequence information of two subunits with apparent molecular masses of 40 and 36 kDa was used to generate a DNA probe by polymerase chain reaction. Cloning and sequencing of two overlapping genomic fragments revealed four genes forming a transcriptional unit. The policystronic messenger RNA of this cbaDBAC gene locus was identified by RNA analysis. The genes cbaC and cbaD code for small hydrophobic peptides with 81 and 54 amino acids. The genes cbaB and cbaA code for cytochrome oxidase subunit II (calculated molecular mass = 18.6 kDa) and I (calculated molecular mass = 63.8 kDa) respectively. Five potential CuA ligands for subunit II and six His residues for subunit I located in conserved positions indicate cytochrome ba3 to be a c-type oxidase. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis place the natronobacterial enzyme together with the archaeal quinol oxidase SoxABCD from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and the eubacterial ba3-type oxidase from Thermus thermophilus into a distinct evolutionary group. All three members are missing residues which are functionally important for vectorial proton translocation. The four-subunit enzyme complex was also identified on the protein level using chromatographic buffers containing ethylene glycol for purification.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Reconstitution of the brain mixed function oxidase system: purification of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and partial purification of cytochrome P450 from whole rat brain.

NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase was purified to apparent homogeneity and cytochrome P450 partially purified from whole rat brain. Purified reductase from brain was identical to liver P450 reductase by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blot techniques. Kinetic studies using cerebral P450 reductase reveal Km values in close agreement with those determined with enzyme purified from rat liver. Moreover, the brain P450 reductase was able to function successfully in a reconstituted microsomal system with partially purified brain cytochrome P450 and with purified hepatic P450c (P450IA1) as measured by 7-ethoxycoumarin and 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation. Our results indicate that the reductase and P450 components may interact to form a competent drug metabolism system in brain tissue.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Characterization of an operon encoding two c-type cytochromes, an aa(3)-type cytochrome oxidase, and rusticyanin in Thiobacillus ferrooxidans ATCC 33020.

Despite the importance of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans in bioremediation and bioleaching, little is known about the genes encoding electron transfer proteins implicated in its energetic metabolism. This paper reports the sequences of the four cox genes encoding the subunits of an aa(3)-type cytochrome c oxidase. These genes are in a locus containing four other genes: cyc2, which encodes a high-molecular-weight cytochrome c; cyc1, which encodes a c(4)-type cytochrome (c(552)); open reading frame 1, which encodes a putative periplasmic protein of unknown function; and rus, which encodes rusticyanin. The results of Northern and reverse transcription-PCR analyses indicated that these eight genes are cotranscribed. Two transcriptional start sites were identified for this operon. Upstream from each of the start sites was a sigma70-type promoter recognized in Escherichia coli. While transcription in sulfur-grown T. ferrooxidans cells was detected from the two promoters, transcription in ferrous-iron-grown T. ferrooxidans cells was detected only from the downstream promoter. The cotranscription of seven genes encoding redox proteins suggests that all these proteins are involved in the same electron transfer chain; a model taking into account the biochemistry and the genetic data is discussed.

Azurin↗
PubMed1993

Cloning and expression of a member of a new cytochrome P-450 family: cytochrome P-450lin (CYP111) from Pseudomonas incognita.

Cytochrome P-450lin catalyzes the 8-methyl hydroxylation of linalool as the first committed step of its utilization by Pseudomonas incognita as the sole carbon source. By using a polymerase chain reaction-based cloning strategy, a 2.1-kb DNA fragment containing the cytochrome P-450lin gene (linC) was isolated. An open reading frame of 406 amino acids has been identified as that of P-450lin on the basis of amino acid sequence data from peptides of the native protein. Heterologous expression of functional holoprotein is exhibited by Escherichia coli transformed with pUC18 containing the subcloned linC gene under constitutive transcriptional control of the lac promoter. The G+C content of linC was found to be 55% overall and 58% in the third codon position. An optimized amino acid sequence alignment of P-450lin with cytochrome P-450cam shows that the two enzymes have only 25% identity. P-450lin was found to exhibit the expected conservation in the axial cysteine heme ligand-containing peptide and the threonine region postulated to form an O2-binding pocket (T. L. Poulos, B. C. Finzel, and A. J. Howard, J. Mol. Biol. 195:687-700, 1987). The low amino acid sequence identity between P-450lin and all other P-450 sequences has shown that P-450lin is the first member of the CYP111 P-450 gene family.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Role of hepatic cytochrome p450s in the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of cyclophosphamide: studies with the hepatic cytochrome p450 reductase null mouse.

Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is an anticancer prodrug that is dependent on cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolism for its therapeutic effectiveness. In spite of the use of CPA in the clinic for over 50 years, little is known about the relationship between its toxicokinetics and therapeutic response. We have employed a powerful new model, the Hepatic Cytochrome P450 Reductase Null (HRN) mouse, which has almost no hepatic cytochrome P450 activity, to study the toxicokinetics of CPA and to establish in vivo the role of hepatic P450 metabolism in its pharmacokinetics. In HRN mice the in vitro metabolism and intrinsic clearance of CPA was over 6-fold lower than in wild-type animals. This change in CPA metabolism was also reflected in vivo, with a profound difference in the pharmacokinetics of both CPA and its metabolites. At a CPA dose of 100 mg/kg, the Cmax, plasma area under the curve (AUC) and half-life were increased by 2.6-, 6.2-, and 3.2-fold, respectively, in the HRN mice. Similar changes were also observed at a dose of 300 mg/kg. These data confirm that hepatic metabolism is the major route of CPA elimination and disposition. The primary metabolites of CPA, 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide (4-OH-CPA) and 3-dechloroethylcyclophosphamide, were still formed, but at altered rates in the HRN mice. At 100 mg/kg the t1/2 for 4-OH-CPA was increased 1.8-fold, the Cmax reduced 1.7-fold, and the AUC remained unchanged. This latter finding shows that P450-mediated oxidative metabolism is essential for the clearance of this compound. Toxicokinetic analysis of CPA-induced myelosuppression and granulocytopenia showed that at high doses (> or =100 mg/kg) there was no difference in myelotoxicity between the wild-type and HRN mice. However, at lower doses (< or =70 mg/kg) a significant difference was observed, with little toxicity seen in HRN mice but at least a 45% reduction in the bone marrow granulocyte population in wild-type mice. Meta-analysis of the toxicity experiments showed the myelotoxicity of CPA was found to be closely correlated with the Cmax of 4-OH-CPA (r2= 0.80, P = 0.002). As the therapeutic effectiveness of CPA has been linked to the AUC for 4-OH-CPA, the finding that 4-OH-CPA Cmax may determine its level of myelotoxicity indicates that the therapeutic index could be altered by changing the method of CPA administration. Furthermore, monitoring 4-OH-CPA Cmax may identify individuals at most risk of CPA side effects.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Regulation of aldosterone synthase cytochrome P450 (CYP11B2) and 11 beta-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (CYP11B1) expression in rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells by low sodium diet and angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

Changes in the mRNA levels for aldosterone synthase cytochrome P450 (CYP11B2 or P450aldo) and 11 beta hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (CYP11B1 or P45011 beta) in rat adrenal glands were studied in response to angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptor antagonists. CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 genes were highly homologous (88.5%) in their nucleotide sequences of the amino acid coding regions. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) which are capable of discriminating between rat CYP11B1 and CYP11B2, were performed with specific primers for each P450. Upon sodium restriction (5 mmol Na(+)/kg of diet) of rats for 14d, the amount of the CYP11B2 mRNA in the adrenal glands was increased 8.5-fold compared to that from the rats fed a normal diet (225 mmol Na(+)/kg of diet), whereas no significant change in the CYP11B1 mRNA was observed after the dietary sodium restriction. As shown by an immunoblot analysis, the adrenal capsule portions (mainly zona glomerulosa) of the rats kept on the low Na diet for 14d expressed significantly higher levels of both CYP11B2 and CYP11B1, and contained a significantly higher amount of CYP11B2 than those from the rats fed by normal diet. The activities of the CYP11B2 enzyme were also found to be increased by about 8-fold on day 14. In concert with these alterations, the plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) increased. However, when the specific AT1 antagonist E4177 was given to rats maintained on the low Na diet, the amount and activity of CYP11B2, as well as the PAC, were suppressed. In contrast, the increase in CYP11B2 induced by the low Na diet was not affected by the AT2-specific antagonist PD123177. These results indicate that the aldosterone synthase cytochrome P450 (CYP11B2) is an ultimate target of the regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis by an AT1 receptor antagonist.

Aldosterone↗
PubMed2005

CBT1 interacts genetically with CBP1 and the mitochondrially encoded cytochrome b gene and is required to stabilize the mature cytochrome b mRNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Mutation of a CCG sequence in the 5'-untranslated region of the mitochondrially encoded cytochrome b mRNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae results in destabilization of the message and respiratory deficiency of the mutant strain. This phenotype mimics that of a mutation in the nuclear CBP1 gene. Here it is shown that overexpression of the nuclear CBT1 gene, due to a transposon insertion in the 5'-untranslated region, rescues the respiratory defects resulting from mutating the CCG sequence to ACG. Overexpressing alleles of CBT1 are allelic to soc1, a previously isolated suppressor of cbp1ts-induced temperature sensitivity of respiratory growth. Quantitative primer extension analysis indicated that cbt1 null strains have defects in 5'-end processing of precursor cytochrome b mRNA to the mature form. Cbt1p is also required for stabilizing the mature cytochrome b mRNA after 5' processing.

Cytochromes b↗
PubMed1975

Electron transport by C-type cytochromes. I. The reaction of horse heart cytochrome c with anionic reductants.

The kinetics of reduction of horse heartcytochrome c have been investigated using the reductants sodium dithionite and potassium ferrocyanide. Sodium dithionite reduction at pH 7.0 yields rate constants of 2.8 X 10(8)M(-1)sec-1 for SO2 AND 6 X 10(5) M-1 sec-1 for S2O4 at infinite dilution. Moreover, the data presented demonstrates the participation of positively charged amino acid side chains at the site of electron transfer. The effect of pH on the reduction of ferricytochrome c requires a minimum of two pK values for description (pK1 = 7.0 +/- 0.4, pK2 = 9.3 +/- 0.3). Based on the pK values determined, one or more lysines and a residues(s) with a low pK are implicated as the positively charged residues participating in electron transfer. From a comparison of the rates of reduction of various denatured forms of cytochrome c we feel that the most viable conclusion is that electron transfer takes place at the exposed heme edge in the vicinity of the amino acid side chains indicated above. Ferrocyanide reduction of ferri-horse heart cytochrome c takes place in a kinetically complex manner. A mechanism is described which includes complexes of ferrocyanide and ferricytochrome c and ferricyanide and ferrocytochrome c. As was found for dithionite reduction a positively charged region of the cytochrome c participates in electron transfer. Combining our results with ferrocyanide and dithionite we conclude that avaible data is compatible with a single mechanism of electron transfer. It is suggested that the kinetic distinction between different reductants lies in the lifetime of the transient complex formed, with the order ferrocyanide greater than S2O4 greater than SO2.

Cacodylic Acid↗
PubMed1992

Cytochrome b558-negative, autosomal recessive chronic granulomatous disease: two new mutations in the cytochrome b558 light chain of the NADPH oxidase (p22-phox).

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is characterized by the failure of activated phagocytes to generate superoxide. Defects in at least four different genes lead to CGD. Patients with the X-linked form of CGD have mutations in the gene for the beta-subunit of cytochrome b558 (gp91-phox). Patients with a rare autosomal recessive form of CGD have mutations in the gene for the alpha-subunit of this cytochrome (p22-phox). Usually, this leads to the absence of cytochrome b558 in the phagocytes (A22(0) CGD). We studied the molecular defect in five European patients from three unrelated families with this type of CGD. P22-phox mRNA was reverse-transcribed, and the coding region was amplified by PCR in one fragment and sequenced. Three patients from one family, with parents that were first cousins, were homozygous for a single base substitution (G-297-->A) resulting in a nonconservative amino acid change (Arg-90-->Gln). This mutation was previously found in a compound heterozygote A22(0) CGD patient. Another patient, also from first-cousin parents, was homozygous for an A-309-->G mutation in the open reading frame that predicts a nonconservative amino acid replacement (His-94-->Arg). The fifth patient was also born from a first-cousin marriage and was shown to be homozygous for the absence of exon 4 from the cDNA. In this patient, a G-->A substitution was found at position 1 of intron 4 in the genomic DNA. Therefore, the absence of exon 4 in the cDNA of this patient is due to a splicing error.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1985

Synthesis and processing of mitochondrial steroid hydroxylases. In vivo maturation of the precursor forms of cytochrome P-450scc, cytochrome P-450(11)beta, and adrenodoxin.

The synthesis and maturation of the precursor forms of three mitochondrial enzymes involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis have been studied in vivo. Primary cultures of bovine adrenocortical cells were radiolabeled with [35S] methionine and newly synthesized cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P-450 (P-450scc), 11 beta-hydroxylase cytochrome P-450 (P-450(11)beta), and adrenodoxin immunoisolated using specific antibodies. Both the precursor and mature forms of P-450scc and P-450(11)beta were detected during short periods of pulse labeling; however, the precursor forms were transitory in nature while their corresponding mature forms accumulated. Pulse-chase experiments showed that the precursor form of each cytochrome P-450 had an apparent half-life of 3.5 min. In contrast, the precursor form of adrenodoxin was not readily detected in pulse-labeling experiments until a substantial amount of its mature form had accumulated. When the cultured cells were treated with a chelator of divalent cations (o-phenanthroline) or a mitochondrial uncoupler (dinitrophenol), the maturation of all three precursors was inhibited. The synthesis of the P-450scc and P-450(11)beta precursors was induced in cells maintained in the presence of adrenocorticotropin, and the rates of appearance of their processed forms were also increased. The mature forms of all three proteins were immunoisolated from a trypsinized mitochondrial fraction prepared from the radiolabeled cells, demonstrating that the mature proteins were localized within the organelle. These studies establish that the maturation of the precursor forms of the mitochondrial steroidogenic enzymes are characterized by steps similar to those reported for other mitochondrial precursor proteins.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1986

Redox-cycled oxidase. One of the reaction products of reduced cytochrome c, cytochrome c oxidase, and dioxygen.

Pulsed and oxygenated forms of cytochrome c oxidase are believed to be variants of the oxidized enzyme. They were produced as a consequence of one or more reduction-oxidation cycles of the resting form and are characterized by an increase of the alpha band intensity and a red-shift of the Soret absorption band to 428 nm. The rate of decay of these species back to the resting enzyme varies appreciably and appears to depend on the nature of the reductant and/or oxidant used in their preparation. Here we report that if resting oxidase is incubated with either reduced or oxidized cytochrome c and then exposed to dioxygen, an activated form is rapidly produced which appears to be more oxidized than the starting material. This finding suggest some degree of partial reduction of the resting enzyme, but this by itself cannot explain the extent of activation. Our results further question the significance of the optical spectral "signature" of the oxygenated (Okunuki, K., and Sekuzu, I. (1954) Seitaino Kagaka 5, 265-272), pulsed (Antonini, E., Brunori, M., Colosimo, A., Greenwood, C., and Wilson, M. T. (1977) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 74, 3128-3132), and "420 nm" species (Kumar, C., Naqui, A., and Chance, B. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 2073-2076, 11668-11671), which are thought to be activated forms of oxidized cytochrome c oxidase.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Immunochemical detection and quantitation of microsomal cytochrome P-450 and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate:cytochrome P-450 reductase in the rat ventral prostate.

Treatment with beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) was found to induce 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activities about 500-fold in the microsomal fraction of the rat ventral prostate but had no effect on aminopyrine N-demethylase or reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate:cytochrome c reductase activities. Phenobarbital (PB) treatment did not alter any of these enzyme activities. Antibodies raised in rabbits against rat liver cytochrome P-450 reductase (P-450 reductase) and against P-450 BNF-B2 and P-450 PB-B2, the major forms of P-450 isolated from liver microsomes of BNF- and PB-treated rats, respectively, were used to characterize the P-450-dependent monooxygenase system in the rat ventral prostate. Anti-P-450 reductase immunoglobulin G inhibited reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate:cytochrome c reductase activity in prostatic microsomes, and anti-P-450 BNF-B2 but not anti-P-450 PB-B2 immunoglobulin G inhibited the BNF-induced prostatic microsomal 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activities. A highly sensitive immunoblotting method was used to quantitate P-450 BNF-B2, P-450 PB-B2, and P-450 reductase in prostatic microsomes. Using this technique, prostatic P-450 reductase with a molecular weight corresponding to that of purified liver P-450 reductase was detected at a level of 0.02 nmol/mg of microsomal protein. In the liver, the same enzyme amounts to 0.2 nmol/mg of microsomal protein. P-450 BNF-B2 was not detected in prostatic microsomes from control or PB-treated rats, whereas a protein band with a molecular weight corresponding to that of purified liver P-450 BNF-B2 was found in prostatic microsomes from BNF-treated rats at a level of 0.05 nmol P-450 per mg microsomal protein. P-450 PB-B2 was not detected in prostatic microsomes from either control, PB-treated, or BNF-treated animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Heterologous expression of functionally active human cytochrome P-450s. Cytochrome P-450IIIA4 catalyzes the biotransformation of the anabolic steroid hormone methandrostenolone].

The expression of the cytochrome P450IIIA4 gene in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast using the shuttle vector pYeDP1-8/2 has been carried out. The microsomal fraction isolated from the transformed yeast cells was used for biotransformation of the anabolic steroid hormone-methandrostenolone (MA). The microsomal oxidation products were analyzed by HPLC and two-dimensional TLC. It was shown that microsomes of the yeasts expressing human cytochrome P450IIIA4 catalyze the MA conversion into its 6 beta-hydroxy derivative. An identical product is formed via a reaction catalyzed by human liver microsomes. The use of the heterological system of cytochrome P450IIIA4 expression has made it possible to establish its role in MA metabolism. The experimental system simulates the first phase of the drug biotransformation in liver cells.

Biotransformation↗
PubMed1993

Utilization of an alternative transcription initiation site of somatic cytochrome c in the mouse produces a testis-specific cytochrome c mRNA.

The differential regulation of somatic and testis-specific cytochromes c during spermatogenesis in the mouse is accompanied by changes in mRNA length (Hake, L. E., Alcivar, A. A., and Hecht, N. B. (1990) Development 110, 249-257). In spermatogenic stem cells through early meiotic cells, we detect four somatic cytochrome c (cyt cs) mRNAs of 1.3, 1.1, and 0.7-0.5 kilobases (kb), whereas in postmeiotic cells we detect a larger cyt cs mRNA of 1.7 kb. Oligonucleotide-directed RNase H cleavage of cyt cs mRNA revealed that the 1.7-kb mRNA contains over 1 kb of 5'-untranslated region which is not present in the four shorter cyt cs mRNAs. RNase protection assays indicate that this additional sequence arises from the utilization of an alternative transcription initiation site of the functional cyt cs gene which is 1085 base pairs upstream of the initiation site for the four shorter cyt cs mRNAs. To analyze the promoter for the 1.7-kb mRNA, a genomic clone containing the cyt cs gene and 5 kb of 5'-flanking DNA was isolated. Sequence comparison of the putative promoter region with promoters of other postmeiotically expressed genes reveals several conserved regions. Utilization of this alternative initiation site may be involved in the down-regulation of cytochrome cs during spermatogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Kinetics of the c-cytochromes in chromatophores from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides as a function of the concentration of cytochrome c2. Influence of this concentration on the oscillation of the secondary acceptor of the reaction centers QB.

The oxidation kinetics of Cyt c1 and c2 have been measured in normal chromatophores and in chromatophores fused with liposomes in order to increase the internal volume. The kinetics of Cyt c1 oxidation were found to be dependent on Cyt c2 concentration. The initial rate of Cyt c1 oxidation decreased after fusion by a factor of about two, indicating a process dependent on diffusion. The results do not allow a clear distinction between a diffusion of Cyt c2 along the inner membrane surface or through the inner volume of the vesicle; two- and three-dimensional models are discussed. In contrast to Cyt c1, the kinetics of oxidation of Cyt c2 were not influenced by changes in concentration. It is concluded that reduced Cyt c2 is preferentially bound to the reaction centers. A binary pattern as a function of flash number from the dark-adapted state was measured in the turn-over of the two-electron gate of the reaction center. In chromatophores with more than 0.5 cytochrome c2 molecules per reaction center, this binary pattern titrated out with a midpoint around 340 mV on reduction of the suspension. In experiments with chromatophores with a low Cyt c2 content, or with spheroplast-derived vesicles which had lost Cyt c2, the binary oscillation in the two-electron gate could be observed at much lower potentials. The results suggest that the binding of reduced cytochrome c2 modifies the behavior of the two-electron gate. A model in which reaction center dimers are stabilized by Cyt c2 is proposed to explain the effect.

Bacterial Chromatophores↗
PubMed2001

Role of human cytochrome P450 (CYP) in the metabolic activation of N-alkylnitrosamines: application of genetically engineered Salmonella typhimurium YG7108 expressing each form of CYP together with human NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase.

The role of human cytochrome P450 (CYP) in the metabolic activation of N-alkylnitrosamines was examined by Ames test using genetically engineered Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium)YG7108 cells expressing each form of human CYP together with human NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (OR). The relationship between the structure of N-alkylnitrosamines and CYP form(s) involved in the activation was evaluated. Eleven strains of S. typhimurium YG7108 cells expressing each form of CYP (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, CYP2A6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP3A4 or CYP3A5) were employed. Eight N-alkylnitrosamines including N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N-nitrosodipropylamine (NDPA), N-nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA), N-nitrosomethylethylamine (NMEA), N-nitrosomethylpropylamine (NMPA), N-nitrosomethylbutylamine (NMBA) and N-nitrosoethylbutylamine (NEBA) were examined. Minimal concentration (MC) value of a promutagen was defined as the concentration of a chemical giving a positive result. Mutagen-producing capacity of CYP, as indicated by induced revertants/nmol promutagen/pmol CYP, for an N-alkylnitrosamine was determined for all forms of CYP. These N-alkylnitrosamines were mainly activated by CYP2E1, CYP2A6 and CYP1A1. N-alkylnitrosamines with relatively short alkyl chains such as NDMA and NMEA were primarily activated by CYP2E1 as judged by mutagen-producing capacity. With the increase of the number of the carbon atoms of the alkyl chains, the contribution of CYP2A6 increased. CYP2A6 played major roles in the activation of NDEA, NDPA, NMPA, NMBA and NEBA. Interestingly, CYP1A1 became a molecular form of CYP playing a major role in the metabolic activation of NDBA.

Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases↗
PubMed2001

Apo-cytochrome b5 as an indicator of changes in heme accessability: preliminary studies with cytochrome P450 3A4.

Cytochrome P450s (P450 or CYP) are the largest family of hemeproteins yet characterized. X-ray crystallographic studies have shown that the heme of the P450 hemeproteins is buried in the interior of the protein molecule. Unexplored are answers to questions concerning the role of heme in the folding of newly synthesized apo-P450s and the factors that influence changes in heme accessibility following modification of the pattern of folding of the holo-P450s. We have carried out the present studies to measure changes in heme accessibility in P450s. This is an initial step to determining whether heme-binding confers structural and functional integrity and stability to a P450 molecule. Recently, we have shown that apo-high molecular weight cytochrome b5 (apo-HMWb5) is an efficient acceptor of heme when added to a preparation of purified recombinant CYP3A4. In the present work we have studied heme binding by apo-HMWb5 when mixed with a number of different hemeproteins (myoglobin, hemoglobin, catalase, CYP4A1, CYP101, and CYP3A4). These hemeproteins differ in the location of the heme (i.e., surface or internal) allowing one to study changes in structure as measured by the process of heme transfer from one protein to another. It was found that heme transfer to apo-HMWb5 occurs relatively rapidly from hemeproteins where the heme is located at or near the surface or when the hemeprotein is denatured. In contrast, heme transfer from P450s to apo-HMWb5 occurs only following modification of the P450 structure with chaotropic agents. An exception is CYP3A4 where a measurable amount of heme is transferred to apo-HMWb5 in the absence of denaturing agents. The preliminary results described here employs apo-HMWb5 as an indicator for assessing changes in heme-availability of P450s as the protein-folding of the molecule is altered.

Apoproteins↗
PubMed2001

Interaction of apo-cytochrome b5 with cytochromes P4503A4 and P45017A: relevance of heme transfer reactions.

Maximal activity of CYP3A4 is obtained using a reconstitution system consisting of NADPH-P450 reductase (CPR), dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), an ionic detergent, and cytochrome b(5) (b(5)). The mechanism by which b(5) stimulates the catalytic activity of CYP3A4 is controversial. Recent data report that apo-cytochrome b(5) (apo-b(5)) can substitute for holo-b(5) by serving as an allosteric effector. These authors concluded that b(5) is not directly involved in electron transfer reactions to CYP3A4. We have studied the effect of apo-b(5) on the ability of purified CYP3A4 to catalyze the 6beta-hydroxylation of testosterone and horse CYP17A to catalyze the 17,20-lyase reaction. The high molecular weight form of holo-b(5) (HMW-holo-b(5)) stimulates the 6beta-hydroxylation of testosterone while the low molecular weight (truncated) form of holo-b(5) (LMW-holo-b(5)) does not. When added to the reconstituted system, HMW-apo-b(5) stimulates the activity of CYP3A4 to a level 50-60% of that obtained with HMW-holo-b(5). A similar stimulation of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone metabolism is seen when studying the CYP17A-catalyzed reaction. Neither LMW-holo-b(5) nor LMW-apo-b(5) stimulates the activity of CYP3A4 or CYP17A. CYP3A4 forms a complex during affinity chromatography with immobilized HMW-holo-b(5) but not with immobilized HMW-apo-b(5). Incubation of apo-b(5) with CYP3A4, using conditions required for reconstitution of enzymatic activities, results in the transfer of heme from the CYP3A4 preparation to apo-b(5), thereby forming holo-b(5). The separation of heme proteins by thiol-disulfide exchange chromatography confirms the formation of holo-b(5). A His67Ala mutant of HMW-b(5) as well as the Zn-substituted protoporphyrin derivative of HMW-b(5) do not stimulate the activity of either CYP3A4 or CYP17A. These data show that the mechanism of stimulation of CYP3A4 and CYP17A activities by apo-b(5) results from the formation of holo-b(5) by a heme transfer reaction.

Alanine↗