Higher order organization of human placental aromatase

Structures and Functions of Human Placental Aromatase and Steroid Sulfatase, Two Key Enzymes in Estrogen Biosynthesis

Cytochrome P450 aromatase (AROM) and steroid sulfatase (STS) are the two key enzymes for the biosynthesis of estrogens in human, and maintenance of the critical balance between androgens and estrogens. Human AROM, an integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum, is a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily. It is the only enzyme to catalyze the conversion of androgens with non-aromatic A-rings to estrogens characterized by the aromatic A-ring. Human STS, also an integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum, is a Ca²⁺-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sulfate esters of estrone and dehydroepiandrosterone to the unconjugated steroids, the precursors of the most potent forms of estrogens and androgens, namely, 17β-estradiol, 16α,17β-estriol, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Expression of these steroidogenic enzymes locally within organs and tissues of the endocrine, reproductive, and central nervous systems is the key for maintaining high levels of the reproductive steroids. The enzymes have been drug targets for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with steroid hormone excesses, especially in breast, endometrial and prostate malignancies. Both enzymes have been the subjects of vigorous research for the past six decades. In this article, we review the important findings on their structure-function relationships, specifically, the work that began with unravelling of the closely guarded secrets, namely, the 3-D structures, active sites, mechanisms of action, origins of substrate specificity and the basis of membrane integration. Remarkably, these studies were conducted on the enzymes purified in their pristine forms from human placenta, the discarded and their most abundant source. The purification, assay, crystallization, and structure determination methodologies are described. Also reviewed are their functional quaternary organizations, post-translational modifications and the advancements made in the structure-guided inhibitor design efforts. Outstanding questions that still remain open are summarized in closing.

Lead Molecules as Novel Aromatase Inhibitors: In Silico De Novo Designing and Binding Affinity Studies

Background:

Aromatase inhibitors emerged as a pivotal moiety to selectively block estrogen production, prevention and treatment of tumour growth in breast cancer. De novo drug design is an alternative approach to blind virtual screening for successful designing of the novel molecule against various therapeutic targets.

Objective:

In the present study, we have explored the de novo approach to design novel aromatase inhibitors.

Method:

The e-LEA3D, a computational-aided drug design web server was used to design novel drug-like candidates against the target aromatase. For drug-likeness ADME parameters (molecular weight, H-bond acceptors, H-bond donors, LogP and number of rotatable bonds) of designed molecules were calculated in TSAR software package, geometry optimization and energy minimization was accomplished using Chem Office. Further, molecular docking study was performed in Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD).

Results:

Among 17 generated molecules using the de novo pathway, 13 molecules passed the Lipinski filter pertaining to their bioavailability characteristics. De novo designed molecules with drug-likeness were further docked into the mapped active site of aromatase to scale up their affinity and binding fitness with the target. Among de novo fabricated drug like candidates (1-13), two molecules (5, 6) exhibited higher affinity with aromatase in terms of MolDock score (-150.650, -172.680 Kcal/mol, respectively) while molecule 8 showed lowest target affinity (-85.588 Kcal/mol).

Conclusion:

The binding patterns of lead molecules (5, 6) could be used as a pharmacophore for medicinal chemists to explore these molecules for their aromatase inhibitory potential.

Post-Translational Regulation of CYP450s Metabolism As Revealed by All-Atoms Simulations of the Aromatase Enzyme

Phosphorylation by kinases enzymes is a widespread regulatory mechanism able of rapidly altering the function of target proteins. Among these are cytochrome P450s (CYP450), a superfamily of enzymes performing the oxidation of endogenous and exogenous substrates thanks to the electron supply of a redox partner. In spite of its pivotal role, the molecular mechanism by which phosphorylation modulates CYP450s metabolism remains elusive. Here by performing microsecond-long all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we disclose how phosphorylation regulates estrogen biosynthesis, catalyzed by the Human Aromatase (HA) enzyme. Namely, we unprecedentedly propose that HA phosphorylation at Y361 markedly stabilizes its adduct with the flavin mononucleotide domain of CYP450s reductase (CPR), the redox partner of microsomal CYP450s, and a variety of other proteins. With CPR present at physiological conditions in a limiting ratio with respect to its multiple oxidative partners, the enhanced stability of the CPR/HA adduct may favor HA in the competition with the other proteins requiring CPR's electron supply, ultimately facilitating the electron transfer and estrogen biosynthesis. As a result, our work elucidates at atomic-level the post-translational regulation of CYP450s catalysis. Given the potential for rational clinical management of diseases associated with steroid metabolism disorders, unraveling this mechanism is of utmost importance, and raises the intriguing perspective of exploiting this knowledge to devise novel therapies.

Testosterone complex and non-steroidal ligands of human aromatase

Cytochrome P450 aromatase (AROM) catalyzes the biosynthesis of estrogen from androgen. Previously crystal structures of human AROM in complex with the substrate androstenedione, and inhibitors exemestane, as well as the newly designed steroidal compounds, have been reported. Here we report the first crystal structure of testosterone complex of human placental AROM. Testosterone binds at the androgen-specific heme distal pocket. The polar and hydrophobic interactions with the surrounding residues resemble the interactions observed for other ligands. The heme proximal region comprises the intermolecular interface in AROM, and also the putative interaction surface of its redox partner cytochrome P450 reductase. Unreported previously, the proximal region is characterized by a large surface cavity, unlike most known P450's. Using five best X-ray data sets from androstenedione and testosterone complexes of AROM, we now unequivocally show the presence of an unexplained ligand electron density inside the proximal cavity. The density is interpreted as ordered five ethylene glycol units of polyethylene glycols used as a solvent for steroids and also in crystallization. Interestingly, polyethylene glycol exhibits weak inhibition of AROM enzyme activity in a time dependent manner. Besides its critical role in the redox partner coupling and electron transfer process, the proximal cavity possibly serves as the interaction site for other molecules that may have regulatory effects on AROM activity. In addition, the new data also reveal a previously unidentified water channel linking the active site to the lipid interface. The channel could be the predicted passage for water molecules involved in catalysis.

Functional characterization of 9 CYP2A13 allelic variants by assessment of nicotine C-oxidation and coumarin 7-hydroxylation

Cytochrome P450 2A13 (CYP2A13) is responsible for the metabolism of chemical compounds such as nicotine, coumarin, and tobacco-specific nitrosamine. Several of these compounds have been recognized as procarcinogens activated by CYP2A13. We recently showed that CYP2A13*2 contributes to inter-individual variations observed in bladder cancer susceptibility because CYP2A13*2 might cause a decrease in enzymatic activity. Other CYP2A13 allelic variants may also affect cancer susceptibility. In this study, we performed an in vitro analysis of the wild-type enzyme (CYP2A13.1) and 8 CYP2A13 allelic variants, using nicotine and coumarin as representative CYP2A13 substrates. These CYP2A13 variant proteins were heterologously expressed in 293FT cells, and the kinetic parameters of nicotine C-oxidation and coumarin 7-hydroxylation were estimated. The quantities of CYP2A13 holoenzymes in microsomal fractions extracted from 293FT cells were determined by measuring reduced carbon monoxide-difference spectra. The kinetic parameters for CYP2A13.3, CYP2A13.4, and CYP2A13.10 could not be determined because of low metabolite concentrations. Five other CYP2A13 variants (CYP2A13.2, CYP2A13.5, CYP2A13.6, CYP2A13.8, and CYP2A13.9) showed markedly reduced enzymatic activity toward both substrates. These findings provide insights into the mechanism underlying inter-individual differences observed in genotoxicity and cancer susceptibility.

Ligand- and Structure-Based Drug Design of Non-Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitors (NSAIs) in Breast Cancer

Aromatase is a multienzyme complex overexpressed in breast cancer and responsible for estrogen production. It is the potential target for designing anti-breast cancer drugs. Ligand and Structure-Based Drug Designing approaches (LBDD and SBDD) are involved in development of active and more specific Nonsteroidal Aromatase Inhibitors (NSAIs). Different LBDD and SBDD approaches are presented here to understand their utility in designing novel NSAIs. It is observed that molecules should possess a five or six membered heterocyclic nitrogen containing ring to coordinate with heme portion of aromatase for inhibition. Moreover, one or two hydrogen bond acceptor features, hydrophobicity, and steric factors may play crucial roles for anti-aromatase activity. Electrostatic, van der Waals, and p-p interactions are other important factors that determine binding affinity of inhibitors. HQSAR, LDA-QSAR, GQSAR, CoMFA, and CoMSIA approaches, pharmacophore mapping followed by virtual screening, docking, and dynamic simulation may be effective approaches for designing new potent anti-aromatase molecules.

Evolutionary comparisons predict that dimerization of human cytochrome P450 aromatase increases its enzymatic activity and efficiency

Estrogen is an essential vertebrate hormone synthesized from androgens involving multiple hydroxylations, catalyzed by cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom or CYP19) enzymes. Despite their importance, very few comparative studies have been conducted on vertebrate and/or mammalian P450arom enzymes, either structurally or functionally. Here we directly compared the human (h-) and porcine gonadal (p(g)-) P450arom, as p(g)-P450arom has very low catalytic efficiency, with a ten-fold higher affinity (Km) for a substrate (androstenedione) and ten-fold reduction in turnover (Vmax). We recombinantly expressed these proteins and compared their interactions on a membrane using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and also with the electron donor protein cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CPR). Changes in frequency and dissipation in the QCM supported the h-P450arom forming a homodimer that agreed with the FRET data, but not p(g)-P450arom. Analysis of the X-ray crystal structure of the h-P450arom suggested a likely site of homo-dimerization and found that certain key interacting residues were not conserved in pg-P450arom. Molecular dynamics simulations provide support for the importance of these residues in homo-dimerization. Here we propose that the lower affinity and higher activity with reduced release of intermediate metabolites by the h-P450arom is as a consequence of its ability to form homodimers. The functional implications of dimerization provide an important mechanistic step in the requirement for efficient aromatization.

Ligand- and Structure-Based Drug Design of Non-Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitors (NSAIs) in Breast Cancer

Aromatase is a multienzyme complex overexpressed in breast cancer and responsible for estrogen production. It is the potential target for designing anti-breast cancer drugs. Ligand and Structure-Based Drug Designing approaches (LBDD and SBDD) are involved in development of active and more specific Nonsteroidal Aromatase Inhibitors (NSAIs). Different LBDD and SBDD approaches are presented here to understand their utility in designing novel NSAIs. It is observed that molecules should possess a five or six membered heterocyclic nitrogen containing ring to coordinate with heme portion of aromatase for inhibition. Moreover, one or two hydrogen bond acceptor features, hydrophobicity, and steric factors may play crucial roles for anti-aromatase activity. Electrostatic, van der Waals, and p-p interactions are other important factors that determine binding affinity of inhibitors. HQSAR, LDA-QSAR, GQSAR, CoMFA, and CoMSIA approaches, pharmacophore mapping followed by virtual screening, docking, and dynamic simulation may be effective approaches for designing new potent anti-aromatase molecules.

Mechanism of inhibition of estrogen biosynthesis by azole fungicides

Biosynthesis of estrogens from androgens is catalyzed by cytochrome P450 aromatase. Aromatase inhibition by the triazole compounds letrozole (LTZ) and anastrozole is a prevalent therapy for estrogen-dependent postmenopausal breast cancer. Azoles are widely used as agricultural fungicides and antimycotic drugs that target 14α-demethylase. Some were previously shown to inhibit aromatase, thereby raising the possibility of endocrine disruptive effects. However, mechanistic analysis of their inhibition has never been undertaken. We have evaluated the inhibitory effects of 3 common fungicides, bifonazole, imazalil, and flusilazole, in human aromatase purified from placenta and compared them with LTZ, the most potent inhibitor of aromatase. Bifonazole exhibits strong inhibitory effects with an IC50 of 270nM and Ki (Michaeles-Menten inhibition constant) of 68nM, compared with 10nM and 13nM, respectively, for LTZ. The IC50 and Ki are 1100nM and 278nM for imazilil and 3200nM and 547nM for flusilazole, respectively. Analyses of inhibition kinetics suggest that the modes of inhibition by azole fungicides are mixed or competitive, whereas LTZ inhibition could be noncompetitive or mixed. We interpret the inhibition mechanism in the context of the x-ray structure of aromatase-androstenedione complex. Structural data show that aromatase has 3 binding pockets in relation to the heme. The substrate-binding cavity at the heme-distal site closely compliments the structures of the natural substrate, androstenedione, and steroidal aromatase inhibitors. Because the structures of LTZ and the azole fungicides are entirely dissimilar to the androstenedione backbone, the azoles possibly inhibit by binding to a structurally rearranged active site, the 2 other catalytically important sites, or both, in agreement with the kinetics data.

Human aromatase: perspectives in biochemistry and biotechnology

Aromatase (CYP19) is involved in steroidogenesis, catalyzing the conversion of androgens into estrogens through a unique reaction that causes the aromatization of the A ring of the steroid. The enzyme is widely distributed and well conserved among species as it plays a crucial role in physiological processes such as control of reproduction and neuroprotection. It has also been a subject of intense research both at the biotechnological level in drug development due to its involvement in estrogen-dependent tumors and at a fundamental biochemical level because there are numerous questions regarding its reaction mechanism. This review will report the great progress made in this area.

The structural biology of oestrogen metabolism

Many enzymes catalyse reactions that have an oestrogen as a substrate and/or a product. The reactions catalysed include aromatisation, oxidation, reduction, sulfonation, desulfonation, hydroxylation and methoxylation. The enzymes that catalyse these reactions must all recognise and bind oestrogen but, despite this, they have diverse structures. This review looks at each of these enzymes in turn, describing the structure and discussing the mechanism of the catalysed reaction. Since oestrogen has a role in many disease states inhibition of the enzymes of oestrogen metabolism may have an impact on the state or progression of the disease and inhibitors of these enzymes are briefly discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'CSR 2013'.

Structural basis for the functional roles of critical residues in human cytochrome p450 aromatase

Cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19A1) is the only enzyme known to catalyze the biosynthesis of estrogens from androgens. The crystal structure of human placental aromatase (pArom) has paved the way toward understanding the structure-function relationships of this remarkable enzyme. Using an amino terminus-truncated recombinant human aromatase (rArom) construct, we investigate the roles of key amino acids in the active site, at the intermolecular interface, inside the access channel, and at the lipid-protein boundary for their roles in enzyme function and higher-order organization. Replacing the active site residue D309 with an N yields an inactive enzyme, consistent with its proposed involvement in aromatization. Mutation of R192 at the lipid interface, pivotal to the proton relay network in the access channel, results in the loss of enzyme activity. In addition to the distal catalytic residues, we show that mutation of K440 and Y361 of the heme-proximal region critically interferes with substrate binding, enzyme activity, and heme stability. The D-E loop deletion mutant Del7 that disrupts the intermolecular interaction significantly reduces enzyme activity. However, the less drastic Del4 and point mutants E181A and E181K do not. Furthermore, native gel electrophoresis, size-exclusion chromatography, and analytical ultracentrifugation are used to show that mutations in the intermolecular interface alter the quaternary organization of the enzyme in solution. As a validation for interpretation of the mutational results in the context of the innate molecule, we determine the crystal structure of rArom to show that the active site, tertiary, and quaternary structures are identical to those of pArom.

Molecular simulations of aromatase reveal new insights into the mechanism of ligand binding

CYP19A1, also known as aromatase or estrogen synthetase, is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of estrogens from their corresponding androgens. Several clinically used breast cancer therapies target aromatase. In this work, explicitly solvated all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of aromatase with a model of the lipid bilayer and the transmembrane helix are performed. The dynamics of aromatase and the role of titration of an important amino acid residue involved in aromatization of androgens are investigated via two 250-ns long simulations. One simulation treats the protonated form of the catalytic aspartate 309, which appears more consistent with crystallographic data for the active site, while the simulation of the deprotonated form shows some notable conformational shifts. Ensemble-based computational solvent mapping experiments indicate possible novel druggable binding sites that could be utilized by next-generation inhibitors. In addition, the effects of protonation on the ligand positioning and channel dynamics are investigated using geometrical models that estimate the opening width of critical channels. Significant differences in channel dynamics between the protonated and deprotonated trajectories are exhibited, suggesting that the mechanism for substrate and product entry and the aromatization process may be coupled to a "locking" mechanism and channel opening. Our results may be particularly relevant in the design of novel drugs, which may be useful therapeutic treatments of cancers such as those of the breast and prostate.

Novel aromatase inhibitors by structure-guided design

Human cytochrome P450 aromatase catalyzes with high specificity the synthesis of estrogens from androgens. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) such as exemestane, 6-methylideneandrosta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione, are preeminent drugs for the treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancer. The crystal structure of human placental aromatase has shown an androgen-specific active site. By utilization of the structural data, novel C6-substituted androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione inhibitors have been designed. Several of the C6-substituted 2-alkynyloxy compounds inhibit purified placental aromatase with IC(50) values in the nanomolar range. Antiproliferation studies in a MCF-7 breast cancer cell line demonstrate that some of these compounds have EC(50) values better than 1 nM, exceeding that for exemestane. X-ray structures of aromatase complexes of two potent compounds reveal that, per their design, the novel side groups protrude into the opening to the access channel unoccupied in the enzyme-substrate/exemestane complexes. The observed structure-activity relationship is borne out by the X-ray data. Structure-guided design permits utilization of the aromatase-specific interactions for the development of next generation AIs.

Motion and flexibility in human cytochrome p450 aromatase

The crystal structures of human placental aromatase in complex with the substrate androstenedione and exemestane have revealed an androgen-specific active site and the structural basis for higher order organization. However, X-ray structures do not provide accounts of movements due to short-range fluctuations, ligand binding and protein-protein association. In this work, we conduct normal mode analysis (NMA) revealing the intrinsic fluctuations of aromatase, deduce the internal modes in membrane-free and membrane-integrated monomers as well as the intermolecular modes in oligomers, and propose a quaternary organization for the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane integration. Dynamics of the crystallographic oligomers from NMA is found to be in agreement with the isotropic thermal factors from the X-ray analysis. Calculations of the root mean square fluctuations of the C-alpha atoms from their equilibrium positions confirm that the rigid-core structure of aromatase is intrinsic regardless of the changes in steroid binding interactions, and that aromatase self-association does not deteriorate the rigidity of the catalytic cleft. Furthermore, NMA on membrane-integrated aromatase shows that the internal modes in all likelihood contribute to breathing of the active site access channel. The collective intermolecular hinge bending and twisting modes provide the flexibility in the quaternary association necessary for membrane integration of the aromatase oligomers. Taken together, fluctuations of the active site, the access channel, and the heme-proximal cavity, and a dynamic quaternary organization could all be essential components of the functional aromatase in its role as an ER membrane-embedded steroidogenic enzyme.