Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) o-quinones produced by the aldo-keto-reductases (AKRs) generate abasic sites, oxidized pyrimidines, and 8-oxo-dGuo via reactive oxygen species

Reactive and redox-active polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) o-quinones produced by Aldo-Keto Reductases (AKRs) have the potential to cause depurinating adducts leading to the formation of abasic sites and oxidative base lesions. The aldehyde reactive probe (ARP) was used to detect these lesions in calf thymus DNA treated with three PAH o-quinones (BP-7,8-dione, 7,12-DMBA-3,4-dione, and BA-3,4-dione) in the absence and presence of redox-cycling conditions. In the absence of redox-cycling, a modest amount of abasic sites were detected indicating the formation of a low level of covalent o-quinone depurinating adducts (>3.2 x 10(6) dNs). In the presence of NADPH and CuCl2, the three PAH o-quinones increased the formation of abasic sites due to ROS-derived lesions destabilizing the N-glycosidic bond. The predominant source of AP sites, however, was revealed by coupling the assay with human 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (hOGG1) treatment, showing that 8-oxo-dGuo was the major lesion caused by PAH o-quinones. The levels of 8-oxo-dGuo formation were independently validated by HPLC-ECD analysis. Apyrimidinic sites were also revealed by coupling the assay with Escherichia coli (Endo III) treatment showing that oxidized pyrimidines were formed, but to a lesser extent. Different mechanisms were responsible for the formation of the oxidative lesions depending on whether Cu(II) or Fe(III) was used in the redox-cycling conditions. In the presence of Cu(II)-mediated PAH o-quinone redox-cycling, catalase completely suppressed the formation of the lesions, but mannitol and sodium benzoate were without effect. By contrast, sodium azide, which acts as a *OH and 1O2 scavenger, inhibited the formation of all oxidative lesions, suggesting that the ROS responsible was 1O2. However, in the presence of Fe(III)-mediated PAH o-quinone redox-cycling, the *OH radical scavengers and sodium azide consistently attenuated their formation, indicating that the ROS responsible was *OH.

Methylglyoxal detoxification by an aldo-keto reductase in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002

Aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) are a superfamily of enzymes that reduce aldehydes and ketones, and have a broad range of substrates. An AKR gene,sakR1, was identified in the cyanobacteriumSynechococcussp. PCC 7002. A mutant strain withsakR1inactivated was sensitive to glycerol, a carbon source that can support heterotrophic growth ofSynechococcussp. PCC 7002. It was found that thesakR1null mutant accumulated more toxic methylglyoxal than the wild-type when glycerol was added to growth medium, suggesting that SakR1 is involved in the detoxification of methylglyoxal, a highly toxic metabolite that can damage cellular macromolecules. Enzymic analysis of recombinant SakR1 protein showed that it can efficiently reduce methylglyoxal with NADPH. Based on immunoblotting, SakR1 was not upregulated at an increased cellular methylglyoxal concentration. A pH-dependent enzyme-activity profile suggested that SakR1 activity could be regulated by cellular pH inSynechococcussp. PCC 7002. The broad substrate specificity of SakR1 implies that SakR1 could play other roles in cellular metabolism.

Stereoselective ketone reduction by a carbonyl reductase from Sporobolomyces salmonicolor. Substrate specificity, enantioselectivity and enzyme-substrate docking studies

In our effort to search for effective carbonyl reductases, the activity and enantioselectivity of a carbonyl reductase from Sporobolomyces salmonicolor have been evaluated toward the reduction of a variety of ketones. This carbonyl reductase (SSCR) reduces a broad spectrum of ketones including aliphatic and aromatic ketones, as well as alpha- and beta-ketoesters. Among these substrates, SSCR shows highest activity for the reduction of alpha-ketoesters. Aromatic alpha-ketoesters are reduced to (S)-alpha-hydroxy esters, while (R)-enantiomers are obtained from the reduction of aliphatic counterparts. This interesting observation is consistent with enzyme-substrate docking studies, which show that hydride transfer occurs at the different faces of carbonyl group for aromatic and aliphatic alpha-ketoesters. It is worthy to note that sterically bulky ketone substrates, such as 2'-methoxyacetophenone, 1-adamantyl methyl ketone, ethyl 4,4-dimethyl-3-oxopentanoate and ethyl 3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutanoate, are reduced to the corresponding alcohols with excellent optical purity. Thus, SSCR possesses an unusually broad substrate specificity and is especially useful for the reduction of ketones with sterically bulky substituents.

Competing roles of aldo-keto reductase 1A1 and cytochrome P4501B1 in benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol activation in human bronchoalveolar H358 cells: role of AKRs in P4501B1 induction

Benzo[a]pyrene (BP) requires metabolic activation to electrophiles to exert its deleterious effects. We compared the respective roles of aldo-keto reductase 1A1 (AKR1A1, aldehyde reductase) and P4501B1 in the formation of BP-7,8-dione and BP-tetrols, respectively, in intact bronchoalveolar cells manipulated to express either enzyme. Metabolite formation was confirmed by HPLC/MS and quantitatively measured by HPLC/UV/beta-RAM. In TCDD-treated H358 cells (P4501B1 expression), the anti-BPDE hydrolysis product BP-tetrol-1 increased over 3-12 h to a constant level. In H358 AKR1A1 transfectants, formation of BP-7,8-dione was elevated for 3-12 h but significantly decreased after 24 h. Interestingly, BP-tetrols were also detected in AKR1A1 transfectants even though they do not constitutively express P4501A1/P4501B1 enzymes. Northern and Western blotting confirmed the induction of P4501B1 by BP-7,8-dione in parental cells and the induction of P4501B1 by BP-7,8-diol in AKR1A1-transfected cells. P4501B1 induction was blocked in AKR1A1 transfectants by the AKR1A1 inhibitor (sulfonylnitromethane), the o-quinone scavenger (N-acetyl-l-cysteine), or the cytosolic AhR antagonist (diflubenzuron). Attenuation of P4501B1 induction in these cells was verified by measuring a decrease in BP-tetrol formation. Our studies show that the formation of BP-7,8-dione by AKR1A1 in human bronchoalveolar cells leads to an induction of P4501B1 and that a functional consequence of this induction is elevated anti-BPDE production as detected by increased BP-tetrol formation. Therefore, the role of AKR1A1 in the activation of BP-7,8-diol is bifunctional; that is, it directly activates BP-7,8-diol to the reactive and redox-active PAH o-quinone (BP-7,8-dione) and it indirectly trans-activates the P4501B1 gene by generating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand BP-7,8-dione.

Modulation of voltage-dependent Shaker family potassium channels by an aldo-keto reductase

The beta subunit (Kvbeta) of the Shaker family voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv1) is a cytosolic protein that forms a permanent complex with the channel. Sequence and structural conservation indicates that Kvbeta resembles an aldo-keto reductase (AKR), an enzyme that catalyzes a redox reaction using an NADPH cofactor. A putative AKR in complex with a Kv channel has led to the hypothesis that intracellular redox potential may dynamically influence the excitability of a cell through Kvbeta. Since the AKR function of Kvbeta has never been demonstrated, a direct functional coupling between the two has not been established. We report here the identification of Kvbeta substrates and the demonstration that Kvbeta is a functional AKR. We have also found that channel function is modulated when the Kvbeta-bound NADPH is oxidized. Further studies of the enzymatic properties of Kvbeta seem to favor the role of Kvbeta as a redox sensor. These results suggest that Kvbeta may couple the excitability of the cell to its metabolic state and present a new avenue of research that may lead to understanding of the physiological functions of Kvbeta.

Production and characterization of a thermostable alcohol dehydrogenase that belongs to the aldo-keto reductase superfamily

The gene encoding a novel alcohol dehydrogenase that belongs to the aldo-keto reductase superfamily has been identified in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus. The gene, referred to as adhD, was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli and subsequently purified to homogeneity. The enzyme has a monomeric conformation with a molecular mass of 32 kDa. The catalytic activity of the enzyme increases up to 100 degrees C, and a half-life value of 130 min at this temperature indicates its high thermostability. AdhD exhibits a broad substrate specificity with, in general, a preference for the reduction of ketones (pH optimum, 6.1) and the oxidation of secondary alcohols (pH optimum, 8.8). Maximal specific activities were detected with 2,3-butanediol (108.3 U/mg) and diacetyl-acetoin (22.5 U/mg) in the oxidative and reductive reactions, respectively. Gas chromatrography analysis indicated that AdhD produced mainly (S)-2-pentanol (enantiomeric excess, 89%) when 2-pentanone was used as substrate. The physiological role of AdhD is discussed.

Higher activity of polymorphic NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase in liver cytosols from blacks compared to whites

In human liver, the two-electron reduction of quinone compounds, such as menadione is catalyzed by cytosolic carbonyl reductase (CBR) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) activities. We assessed the relative contributions of CBR and NQO1 activities to the total menadione reducing capacity in liver cytosols from black (n=31) and white donors (n=63). Maximal menadione reductase activities did not differ between black (13.0+/-5.0 nmol/min mg), and white donors (11.4+/-6.6 nmol/min mg; p=0.208). In addition, both groups presented similar levels of CBR activities (CBR(blacks)=10.9+/-4.1 nmol/min mg) versus CBR(whites)=10.5+/-5.8 nmol/min mg; p=0.708). In contrast, blacks showed higher NQO1 activities (two-fold) than whites (NQO1(blacks)=2.1+/-3.0 nmol/min mg versus NQO1(whites)=0.9+/-1.6 nmol/min mg, p<0.01). To further explore this disparity, we tested whether NQO1 activity was associated with the common NQO1(*)2 genetic polymorphism by using paired DNA samples for genotyping. Cytosolic NQO1 activities differed significantly by NQO1 genotype status in whites (NQO1(whites[NQO1*1/*1])=1.3+/-1.7 nmol/min mg versus NQO1(whites[NQO1*1/*2+NQO1*2/*2])=0.5+/-0.7 nmol/min mg, p<0.01), but not in blacks (NQO1(blacks[NQO1*1/*1])=2.6+/-3.4 nmol/min mg versus NQO1(blacks[NQO1*1/*2])=1.1+/-1.2 nmol/min mg, p=0.134). Our findings pinpoint the presence of significant interethnic differences in polymorphic hepatic NQO1 activity.

Enzymatic Properties of a Member (AKR1C20) of the Aldo-Keto Reductase Family

AKR1C20, a member of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily, found by mouse genomic analysis, exhibits the highest sequence identity (89%) with mouse liver 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type 5, but its function remains unknown. In this report, we have expressed the recombinant AKR1C20 from its cDNA, and examined its properties. The purified enzyme was a 36-kDa monomer, and showed both 17beta-HSD and 3alpha-HSD activities in the presence of NADP(H) as the coenzymes. While the Km values for testosterone and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone were high (>0.2 mM), those for 3alpha-hydroxy- and 3-keto-steroids were low (0.3-5 microM), resulting in high catalytic efficiency for the substrates. Although no significant dehydrogenase activity towards non-steroidal alcohols was observed, the enzyme highly reduced alpha-dicarbonyl compounds such as 16-ketoestrone, 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, acenaphthenequinone, 1-phenylisatin and camphorquinone. The pH optima of the dehydrogenase and reductase activities were 10.5 and 6.5-7.5, respectively. The enzyme was inhibited by sulfobromophthalein, hexestrol, indomethacin and flufenamic acid. The properties of AKR1C20 are distinct from those of previously known mouse 17beta-HSD type 5 (AKR1C6), 3alpha-HSD (AKR1C14) and other members of the AKR1C subfamily. Thus, AKR1C20 is a novel 3alpha(17beta)-HSD, which may also function as a reductase for xenobiotic alpha-dicarbonyl compounds.

Expressed Protein Ligation to Obtain Selectively Modified Aldo/Keto Reductases

Specific enzyme immobilization has moved into the focus for many applications in biochemical research fields. Expressed Protein Ligation (EPL) has been proven to be ideal to selectively label proteins at single positions. Applying this technique to enzymes of the aldo/keto reductase superfamily provides a new approach to generate native or modified redox enzymes for direct and indirect immobilization.

X-ray structures of NADPH-dependent carbonyl reductase from Sporobolomyces salmonicolor provide insights into stereoselective reductions of carbonyl compounds

The X-ray structures of red yeast Sporobolomyces salmonicolor carbonyl reductase (SSCR) and its complex with a coenzyme, NADPH, have been determined at a resolution of 1.8A and 1.6A, respectively. SSCR was crystallized in an orthorhombic system with the space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) and cell dimensions of a=54.86 A, b=83.49 A, and c=148.72 A. On its cocrystallization with NADPH, isomorphous crystals of the SSCR/NADPH complex were obtained. The structure of SSCR was solved by a single wavelength anomalous diffraction measurement using a selenomethionine-substituted enzyme, and that of the SSCR/NADPH complex was solved by a molecular replacement method using the solved structure of SSCR. The structures of SSCR and the SSCR/NADPH complex were refined to an R-factor of 0.193 (R(free)=0.233) and 0.211 (R(free)=0.238), respectively. SSCR has two domains, an NADPH-binding domain and a substrate-binding domain, and belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases family. The structure of the NADPH-binding domain and the interaction between the enzyme and NADPH are very similar to those found in other structure-solved enzymes belonging to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases family, while the structure of the substrate-binding domain is unique. SSCR has stereoselectivity in its catalytic reaction, giving rise to excessive production of (S)-alcohols from ethyl 4-chloro-3-oxobutanoate. The X-ray structure of the SSCR/NADPH complex and preliminary modeling show that the formation of the hydrophobic channel induced by the binding of NADPH is closely related to the stereoselective reduction by SSCR.

High-resolution crystal structure of AKR11C1 from Bacillus halodurans: an NADPH-dependent 4-hydroxy-2,3-trans-nonenal reductase

Aldo-keto reductase AKR11C1 from Bacillus halodurans, a new member of aldo-keto reductase (AKR) family 11, has been characterized structurally and biochemically. The structures of the apo and NADPH bound form of AKR11C1 have been solved to 1.25 A and 1.3 A resolution, respectively. AKR11C1 possesses a novel non-aromatic stacking interaction of an arginine residue with the cofactor, which may favor release of the oxidized cofactor. Our biochemical studies have revealed an NADPH-dependent activity of AKR11C1 with 4-hydroxy-2,3-trans-nonenal (HNE). HNE is a cytotoxic lipid peroxidation product, and detoxification in alkaliphilic bacteria, such as B.halodurans, plays a crucial role in survival. AKR11C1 could thus be part of the detoxification system, which ensures the well being of the microorganism. The very poor activity of AKR11C1 on standard, small substrates such as benzaldehyde or DL-glyeraldehyde is consistent with the observed, very open active site lacking a binding pocket for these substrates. In contrast, modeling of HNE with its aldehyde function suitably positioned in the active site suggests that its elongated hydrophobic tail occupies a groove defined by hydrophobic side-chains. Multiple sequence alignment of AKR11C1 with the highly homologous iolS and YqkF proteins shows a high level of conservation in this putative substrate-binding site. We suggest that AKR11C1 is the first structurally characterized member of a new class of AKRs with specificity for substrates with long aliphatic tails.

Involvement of carbonyl reductase in superoxide formation through redox cycling of adrenochrome and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone in pig heart

The effects of adrenochrome, a metabolite of epinephrine (adrenaline), and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ), a component of diesel exhaust particles, on the stereoselective reduction of 4-benzoylpyridine (4-BP) were examined in pig heart cytosol. PQ was a potent inhibitor for the 4-BP reduction, while adrenochrome was a poor inhibitor. A similar result was observed in the effects of adrenochrome and PQ on the reduction of all-trans retinal. Furthermore, although PQ mediated efficiently the formation of superoxide anion radical through its redox cycling in pig heart cytosol, adrenochrome had no ability to mediate the superoxide formation. These may be because the reactivity for adrenochrome, catalyzed by pig heart carbonyl reductase (PHCR), is much lower than that for PQ. The optimal pH for the reduction of PQ in pig heart cytosol was around 5.5. Dicumarol, a potent inhibitor of DT-diaphorase, had little effect on the time course of NADPH oxidation during the reduction of PQ. Therefore, it is concluded that PHCR plays a critical role in superoxide formation through redox cycling of PQ.

The roles of aldo-keto reductases in steroid hormone action

The human aldo-keto reductase 1C (AKR1C) isozymes are implicated in the pre-receptor regulation of steroid receptors, nuclear orphan receptors and membrane-bound ligand-gated ion channels. Human AKR members that may regulate the local concentration of steroid hormones include: AKR1C1, AKR1C2, AKR1C3, AKR1C4 and AKR1D1. Since, these enzymes are pluripotent, the physiological role for the human AKR1C isozymes is determined by their tissue-specific expression patterns and their substrate availability in target tissues. AKRs work in concert with short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases as switches to control ligand access to nuclear receptors. Consequently, they are potential targets in treating prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis and endometrial cancer.

Conversion of methylglyoxal to acetol by Escherichia coli aldo-keto reductases

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a toxic metabolite known to accumulate in various cell types. We detected in vivo conversion of MG to acetol in MG-accumulating Escherichia coli cells by use of (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H-NMR) spectroscopy. A search for homologs of the mammalian aldo-keto reductases (AKRs), which are known to exhibit activity to MG, revealed nine open reading frames from the E. coli genome. Based on both sequence similarities and preliminary characterization with (1)H-NMR for crude extracts of the corresponding mutant strains, we chose five genes, yafB, yqhE, yeaE, yghZ, and yajO, for further study. Quantitative assessment of the metabolites produced in vitro from the crude extracts of these mutants and biochemical study with purified AKRs indicated that the yafB, yqhE, yeaE, and yghZ genes are involved in the conversion of MG to acetol in the presence of NADPH. When we assessed their in vivo catalytic activities by creating double mutants, all of these genes except for yqhE exhibited further sensitivities to MG in a glyoxalase-deficient strain. The results imply that the glutathione-independent detoxification of MG can occur through multiple pathways, consisting of yafB, yqhE, yeaE, and yghZ genes, leading to the generation of acetol.

Fundamental roles of reactive oxygen species and protective mechanisms in the female reproductive system

Controlled oxidation, such as disulfide bond formation in sperm nuclei and during ovulation, plays a fundamental role in mammalian reproduction. Excess oxidation, however, causes oxidative stress, resulting in the dysfunction of the reproductive process. Antioxidation reactions that reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species are of prime importance in reproductive systems in maintaining the quality of gametes and support reproduction. While anti-oxidative enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, play a central role in eliminating oxidative stress, reduction-oxidation (redox) systems, comprised of mainly glutathione and thioredoxin, function to reduce the levels of oxidized molecules. Aldo-keto reductase, using NADPH as an electron donor, detoxifies carbonyl compounds resulting from the oxidation of lipids and proteins. Thus, many antioxidative and redox enzyme genes are expressed and aggressively protect gametes and embryos in reproductive systems.

Catalase inhibition by amino triazole induces oxidative stress in goldfish brain

The effects of in vivo inhibition of catalase by 3-amino 1,2,4-triazole (AMT) on the levels of damage products resulting from reactive oxygen species attack on proteins and lipids as well as on the activities of five antioxidant and associated enzymes were studied in the brain of goldfish, Carassius auratus. Intraperitoneal injection of AMT at a concentration of 0.1 mg/g wet weight caused a gradual decrease in brain catalase activity over 72 h, whereas higher AMT concentrations (0.5 or 1.0 mg/g) reduced catalase activity by about two-thirds within 5-10 h. AMT effects on antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers were studied in detail using fish treated with 0.5 mg/g AMT for 24 or 168 h. The levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (a lipid damage product) increased 6.5-fold by 24 h after AMT injection but fell again after 168 h. The content of carbonylproteins (CP) also rose within 24 h (by approximately 2-fold) and remained 1.5-fold higher compared with respective sham-injected fish after 168 h. CP levels correlated inversely with catalase activity (R(2) = 0.83) suggesting that catalase may protect proteins in vivo against oxidative modification. The activities of both glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase increased by approximately 50% and 80%, respectively, in brain of AMT-treated fish and this might represent a compensatory response to lowered catalase activity. Possible functions of catalase in the maintenance of prooxidant/antioxidant balance in goldfish brain are discussed.

Differential pharmacokinetics of acetohexamide in male Wistar-Imamichi and Sprague-Dawley rats: role of microsomal carbonyl reductase

Acetohexamide (AH) is reduced to its alcohol metabolite by carbonyl reductase. We have previously shown that carbonyl reductase present in the liver microsomes of rats is a male-specific and androgen-dependent enzyme. In the present study, the role of microsomal carbonyl reductase in the pharmacokinetics of AH was examined in male Wistar-Imamichi (WI) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats after its intravenous administration. AH was eliminated more slowly from plasma in the WI strain, which lacks most of the microsomal carbonyl reductase, than in the SD strain. Furthermore, several pharmacokinetic parameters were derived from the data for the plasma concentrations of AH. The plasma clearance (CL(p)) of AH (72.8+/-11.2 ml/h/kg) in male WI rats was significantly smaller than that (105.5+/-11.1 ml/h/kg) in male SD rats. Testectomy caused a marked decrease, from 105.5+/-11.1 to 44.3+/-11.8 ml/h/kg, in the CL(p) of AH in male SD rats. These results indicate that microsomal carbonyl reductase plays a critical role in the differential pharmacokinetics of AH in male WI and SD rats.

Green tea consumption, genetic susceptibility, PAH-rich smoky coal, and the risk of lung cancer

Experimental evidence suggests that green tea (Camellia sinesis) may reduce the risk of lung cancer through several hypothesized mechanisms including scavenging oxidative radicals, inhibition of tumor initiation, and modulation of detoxification enzymes. However, epidemiologic results have not been consistent as to the relationship between green tea consumption and lung caner prevention. We employed a population-based case-control study of 122 cases and 122 controls to investigate the effect that green tea consumption may have on the risk of lung cancer and whether polymorphisms in 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase (OGG1), glutathione-S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), and aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) modify such an association. Daily green tea consumption was associated with a non-significant reduction in lung cancer risk. However, the effect of smoky coal exposure was higher for non-drinkers (odds ratio (OR)=4.93; 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=1.27-19.13) than for drinkers (OR=1.88; 95% CI=1.01-3.48). Further, among individuals with the OGG1 Cys(326) allele, daily consumption was associated with a 72% reduction (95% CI=0.09-0.94). Among GSTM1 null homozygotes, those who consumed green tea daily had a non-significant reduction in risk compared with non-consumers. Green tea consumption had no effect among OGG1 Ser(326) homozygotes or GSTM1 carriers. In addition, AKR1C3 genotype did not modulate the effect of green tea consumption. The chemopreventive effects of green tea in this population may be restricted to individuals who are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage.

Utility of siRNA against Keap1 as a strategy to stimulate a cancer chemopreventive phenotype

A duplex 21 nucleotide small interfering RNA (siRNA) against human Keap1 is described that represents a unique class of cancer chemopreventive agent. This siRNA can knockdown Keap1 mRNA and thereby relieve negative regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated gene expression. The siRNA lowered endogenous Keap1 mRNA to <30% of control levels between 24 and 72 h after transfection in human HaCaT keratinocyte cells and was capable of blocking ectopic expression of FLAG-tagged human Keap1 protein but not that of ectopic V5-tagged mouse Keap1 protein. Transfection of human HaCaT cells with Keap1 siRNA markedly enhanced endogenous levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein and increased transcription of an antioxidant response element-driven reporter gene by 2.3-fold. Furthermore, 48 h after transfection of these cells with Keap1 siRNA, expression of aldo-keto reductase 1C1/2 and the glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic and modifier subunits was elevated between 5- and 14-fold. A modest increase of 3-fold in NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 was also observed. The Keap1 siRNA produced a 1.75-fold increase in intracellular glutathione 48 h after transfection. Thus, antagonism of Keap1 by siRNA can be used to preadapt human cells to oxidative stress without the need to expose them to redox stressors.

Purification and cDNA cloning of NADPH-dependent aldoketoreductase, involved in asymmetric reduction of methyl 4-bromo-3-oxobutyrate, from Penicillium citrinum IFO4631

Penicillium citrinum was found to catalyze the reduction of methyl 4-bromo-3-oxobutyrate to methyl (S)-4-bromo-3-hydroxybutyrate [(S)-BHBM] with high optical purity. From the strain, a cDNA clone encoding a novel NADPH-dependent alkyl 4-halo-3-oxobutyrate reductase (KER) was isolated. Escherichia coli cells overexpressing KER produced (S)-BHBM in the presence of an NADPH-regeneration system.

Fine tuning of coenzyme specificity in family 2 aldo-keto reductases revealed by crystal structures of the Lys-274-->Arg mutant of Candida tenuis xylose reductase (AKR2B5) bound to NAD+ and NADP+

Aldo-keto reductases of family 2 employ single site replacement Lys-->Arg to switch their cosubstrate preference from NADPH to NADH. X-ray crystal structures of Lys-274-->Arg mutant of Candida tenuis xylose reductase (AKR2B5) bound to NAD+ and NADP+ were determined at a resolution of 2.4 and 2.3A, respectively. Due to steric conflicts in the NADP+-bound form, the arginine side chain must rotate away from the position of the original lysine side chain, thereby disrupting a network of direct and water-mediated interactions between Glu-227, Lys-274 and the cofactor 2'-phosphate and 3'-hydroxy groups. Because anchoring contacts of its Glu-227 are lost, the coenzyme-enfolding loop that becomes ordered upon binding of NAD(P)+ in the wild-type remains partly disordered in the NADP+-bound mutant. The results delineate a catalytic reaction profile for the mutant in comparison to wild-type.

Strain engineering for stereoselective bioreduction of dicarbonyl compounds by yeast reductases

Pure chiral molecules are needed in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry as intermediates for the production of drugs or fine chemicals. Microorganisms represent an attractive alternative to chemical synthesis since they have the potential to generate single stereoisomers in high enantiomeric excess (ee). The baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae can notably reduce dicarbonyl compounds (in particular alpha- and beta-diketones and keto esters) to chiral alcohols with high ee. However, products are formed at a low rate. Moreover, large amounts of co-substrate are required for the regeneration of NADPH that is the preferred co-factor in almost all the known dicarbonyl reductions. Traditionally, better ee, reduction rate and product titre have been achieved via process engineering. The advent of recombinant DNA technology provides an alternative strategy to improve productivity and yield by strain engineering. This review discusses two aspects of strain engineering: (i) the generation of strains with higher reductase activity towards dicarbonyl compounds and (ii) the optimisation of co-substrate utilisation for NADPH cofactor regeneration.

Carbonyl reduction of naltrexone and dolasetron by oxidoreductases isolated from human liver cytosol

The opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone and the antiemetic 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist dolasetron are ketonic drugs that are efficiently reduced to their corresponding alcohols in-vivo. These experiments aimed at characterizing the role in these reactions of individual oxidoreductases present in human liver cytosol. Aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) and carbonyl reductase (CR, EC 1.1.1.184) purified from human liver cytosol were incubated with varying substrate concentrations and 6beta-naltrexol or reduced dolasetron were analysed by HPLC. AKR1C1, AKR1C2, and AKR1C4 were able to reduce both substrates. On the basis of k(cat)/K(m) values, AKR1C4 was nearly 1000-fold more efficient in reducing naltrexone than was AKR1C1, while AKR1C2 was of intermediate efficiency. Substrate inhibition was observed on incubating AKR1C2 or AKR1C4 with naltrexone. In contrast, dolasetron was also a substrate of CR. AKR1C1 and AKR1C4 were the most efficient enzymes in producing reduced dolasetron. We concluded that the efficient reduction of naltrexone by AKR1C4 probably causes the high 6beta-naltrexol/naltrexone ratio in man. The rapid disappearance from human plasma of dolasetron given intravenously and its virtual absence after oral dosage are explained by its liability to reduction by several enzymes, including CR which shows widespread expression in human tissues.

Polymorphisms in genes involved in estrogen and progesterone metabolism and mammographic density changes in women randomized to postmenopausal hormone therapy: results from a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Mammographic density is a strong independent risk factor for breast cancer, and can be modified by hormonal exposures. Identifying genetic variants that determine increases in mammographic density in hormone users may be important in understanding hormonal carcinogenesis of the breast.

METHODS

We obtained mammograms and DNA from 232 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 75 years who had participated in one of two randomized, double-blind clinical trials with estrogen therapy (104 women, taking 1 mg/day of micronized 17beta-estradiol, E2), combined estrogen and progestin therapy (34 women, taking 17beta-estradiol and 5 mg/day of medroxyprogesterone acetate for 12 days/month) or matching placebos (94 women). Mammographic percentage density (MPD) was measured on baseline and 12-month mammograms with a validated computer-assisted method. We evaluated polymorphisms in genes involved in estrogen metabolism (catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT (Val158Met)), cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1 (Val432Leu)), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1 (<7/>or= 7 TA repeats))) and progesterone metabolism (aldo-keto reductase 1C4 (AKR1C4 (Leu311Val))) with changes in MPD.

RESULTS

The adjusted mean change in MPD was +4.6% in the estrogen therapy arm and +7.2% in the combined estrogen and progestin therapy arm, compared with +0.02% in the placebo arm (P = 0.0001). None of the genetic variants predicted mammographic density changes in women using estrogen therapy. Both the AKR1C4 and the CYP1B1 polymorphisms predicted mammographic density change in the combined estrogen and progestin therapy group (P < 0.05). In particular, the eight women carrying one or two low-activity AKR1C4 Val alleles showed a significantly greater increase in MPD (16.7% and 29.3%) than women homozygous for the Leu allele (4.0%).

CONCLUSION

Although based on small numbers, these findings suggest that the magnitude of the increase in mammographic density in women using combined estrogen and progestin therapy may be greater in those with genetically determined lower activity of enzymes that metabolize estrogen and progesterone.

Expression and activity of steroid aldoketoreductases 1C in omental adipose tissue are positive correlates of adiposity in women

We examined expression and activity of steroid aldoketoreductase (AKR) 1C enzymes in adipose tissue in women. AKR1C1 (20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; 20alpha-HSD), AKR1C2 (3alpha-HSD-3), and AKR1C3 (17beta-HSD-5) are involved mainly in conversion of progesterone to 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and inactivation of dihydrotestosterone to 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol. Abdominal subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue biopsies were obtained during abdominal hysterectomies in seven women with low visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area and seven age- and total body fat mass-matched women with visceral obesity. Women with elevated VAT areas were characterized by significantly higher omental adipose tissue 20alpha-HSD and 3alpha-HSD-3 mRNA abundance compared with women with low VAT accumulations (1.4- and 1.6-fold differences, respectively; P < 0.05). Omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue 3alpha-HSD activities were significantly higher in women with high vs. low VAT areas (P < 0.05 for both comparisons). Total and visceral adiposities were positively associated with omental 20alpha-HSD mRNA level (r = 0.75, P < 0.003 for fat mass; r = 0.57, P < 0.04 for VAT area) and omental 3alpha-HSD-3 mRNA level (r = 0.68, P < 0.01 for fat mass; r = 0.74, P < 0.003 for VAT area). Enzyme activities in both depots were also positively correlated with adiposity measures. Omental adipose tissue enzyme expression and activity were positively associated with omental adipocyte size and LPL activity. In conclusion, mRNA abundance and activity of AKR1C enzymes in abdominal adipose tissue compartments are positive correlates of adiposity in women. Increased progesterone and/or dihydrotestosterone reduction in abdominal adipose tissue may impact locally on fat cell metabolism.