Farnesol as an inhibitor and substrate for rabbit liver microsomal P450 enzymes

Concurrent administration of farnesol protects acetaminophen-induced acute hepatic necrosis in mice

Acetaminophen (APAP) is known to cause acute liver injury and acute liver failure in Western countries. This study investigates the protective role of farnesol (FAR) (C15 H26 O), a natural sesquiterpene alcohol in essential oils, against APAP-induced acute liver necrosis in mice. Mice were injected with a single dose of APAP (300 mg/kg) via an intraperitoneal route. Different groups of mice were concurrently treated with a single dose of FAR 25 mg/kg, FAR 50 mg/kg, and N-acetylcysteine. APAP administration caused a significant increase in transaminase activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the serum and liver tissue, respectively, with a concomitant decrease in intracellular antioxidants, including reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver tissue. APAP intoxication upregulated proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and IκB kinase β in the liver tissue. FAR and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administrations concurrently with APAP prevented serum transaminase increase in serum and MDA levels in the liver tissue. A high dose of FAR and NAC treatments significantly inhibited GSH and other antioxidant depletion. FAR and NAC treatments also downregulated the expression of proinflammatory markers. FAR treatments protects against APAP-induced acute liver injury and offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway involved in the transcription of genes responsible for inflammatory cytokine synthesis.

Farnesol induces fatty acid oxidation and decreases triglyceride accumulation in steatotic HepaRG cells

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is manifested by hepatic accumulation of triglycerides (TG) and is commonly associated with metabolic syndrome. The isoprenoid farnesol (FOH) modulates lipid metabolism and reduces hepatic TG content in rodents. This effect involves activation of at least two nuclear receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and farnesoid X receptor. We evaluated the effects of FOH (100 μM) in a cellular model of human hepatic steatosis by loading hepatocyte-like HepaRG cells with oleic acid (OA, 0.66 mM). FOH treatment decreased OA-induced TG accumulation by ~25%. Using PCR arrays, we found that FOH treatment modulated the mRNA levels of several lipid-metabolizing enzymes, both alone and when cells were loaded with OA. While FOH activated PPARα and the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), most of the FOH-mediated effects on lipid-metabolizing genes could be attributed to activation of PPARα. In OA-loaded HepaRG cells, FOH increased fatty acid oxidation, which was accompanied by up-regulation of PPARα target genes involved in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, including hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase/3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase/enoyl-CoA hydratase and acetyl-coenzyme A acyltransferase 2. These effects on gene expression were lost when the cells were co-treated with the PPARα antagonist, GW6471. OA treatment alone decreased the mRNA levels of the drug-metabolizing enzymes, cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A2, 2B6, and 3A4, and increased CYP2E1 expression, all of which were attenuated by FOH co-treatment. These findings show that FOH treatment increases fatty acid oxidation and decreases TG accumulation in steatotic HepaRG cells, which is likely attributable to PPARα-mediated induction of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation.

Nerolidol and Farnesol Inhibit Some Cytochrome P450 Activities but Did Not Affect Other Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Enzymes in Rat and Human Hepatic Subcellular Fractions

Sesquiterpenes, 15-carbon compounds formed from three isoprenoid units, are the main components of plant essential oils. Sesquiterpenes occur in human food, but they are principally taken as components of many folk medicines and dietary supplements. The aim of our study was to test and compare the potential inhibitory effect of acyclic sesquiterpenes, trans-nerolidol, cis-nerolidol and farnesol, on the activities of the main xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in rat and human liver in vitro. Rat and human subcellular fractions, relatively specific substrates, corresponding coenzymes and HPLC, spectrophotometric or spectrofluorometric analysis of product formation were used. The results showed significant inhibition of cytochromes P450 (namely CYP1A, CYP2B and CYP3A subfamilies) activities by all tested sesquiterpenes in rat as well as in human hepatic microsomes. On the other hand, all tested sesquiterpenes did not significantly affect the activities of carbonyl-reducing enzymes and conjugation enzymes. The results indicate that acyclic sesquiterpenes might affect CYP1A, CYP2B and CYP3A mediated metabolism of concurrently administered drugs and other xenobiotics. The possible drug-sesquiterpene interactions should be verified in in vivo experiments.

Chemopreventive effect of farnesol on DMBA/TPA-induced skin tumorigenesis: involvement of inflammation, Ras-ERK pathway and apoptosis

AIMS

Naturally-derived farnesol has been reported for its chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic efficacy in various cancers. However, the mechanism of action of farnesol is still to be elucidated. The present study demonstrates the chemopreventive potential of farnesol on 9,10-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-initiated and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-promoted skin tumorigenesis in Swiss albino mice.

MAIN METHODS

Farnesol at three different doses 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight was topically applied to the mouse skin, 30 min prior to TPA (2 microg/200 microl acetone) to evaluate edema, hyperplasia, expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), oxidative stress response and hyperproliferation, and expression of Ras, Raf, p-ERK1/2, Bax and Bcl-2 in DMBA/TPA-induced tumors.

KEY FINDINGS

Farnesol at both the low doses significantly reduced the TPA-induced skin edema, hyperplasia, expression of COX-2 and oxidative stress response. Interestingly, higher dose of farnesol did not show any significant response. Pretreatment of farnesol significantly decreased TPA-induced ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and [(3)H]thymidine incorporation in dose-dependent manner. During promotion phase, farnesol with higher dose significantly regressed tumor incidence and tumor burden with an extension of latency period of 4-8 weeks. More importantly, low doses of farnesol significantly inhibited Ras/Raf/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in mouse skin tumors whereas higher dose of farnesol induced the pathway. Moreover, farnesol at all doses altered Bax/Bcl-2 ratio which leads to induction of apoptosis as confirmed by DNA fragmentation.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings revealed that oxidative stress, inflammation, Ras/Raf/ERK1/2 pathway and apoptosis collectively played a crucial role in the chemopreventive activity of farnesol to inhibit the murine skin tumorigenesis.

The effect of mutation of F87 on the properties of CYP102A1-CYP4C7 chimeras: altered regiospecificity and substrate selectivity

CYP102A1 is a highly active water-soluble bacterial monooxygenase that contains both substrate-binding heme and diflavin reductase subunits, all in a single polypeptide that has been called a "self-sufficient enzyme." Several years ago we developed a procedure called "scanning chimeragenesis," where we focused on residues 73-82 of CYP102A1, which contact approximately 40% of the substrates palmitoleic acid and N-palmitoylglycine [Murataliev et al. (2004) Biochemistry 43:1771-1780]. These residues were replaced with the homologous residues of CYP4C7. In the current work, that study has been expanded to include residue 87. Phenylalanine 87 of wild-type CYP102A1 was replaced with the homologous residue of CYP4C7, leucine, as well as with alanine. The full-sized chimeric proteins C(73-78, F87L), C(73-78, F87A), C(75-80, F87L), C(75-80, F87A), C(78-82, F87L) and C(78-82, F87A) have been purified and characterized. Wild-type CYP102A1 is most active toward fatty acids (both lauric and palmitic acids produce omega-1, omega-2, and omega-3 hydroxylated fatty acids), but it also catalyzes the oxidation of farnesol to three products (2, 3- and 10,11-epoxyfarnesols and 9-hydroxyfarnesol). All of the F87-mutant chimeric proteins show dramatic decreases in activities with the natural CYP102A1 substrates. In contrast, C(78-82, F87A) and C(78-82, F87L) have markedly increased activities with farnesol, with the latter showing a 5.7-fold increase in catalytic activity as compared to wild-type CYP102A1. C(78-82, F87L) produces 10,11-epoxyfarnesol as the single primary metabolite. The results show that chimeragenesis involving only the second half of SRS-1 plus F87 is sufficient to change the substrate selectivity of CYP102A1 from fatty acids to farnesol and to produce a single primary product.

Monitoring farnesol-induced toxicity in tobacco BY-2 cells with a fluorescent analog

In a previous study (A. Hemmerlin, T.J. Bach, Plant Physiol. 123 (2000) 1257-1268), we have demonstrated that above a critical concentration, treatment with all-trans-farnesol induces cell-death in Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Bright Yellow-2 (TBY-2) cells. Now we used a fluorescent analog of farnesol (Fol(FLUO)), in which an isoprene unit is replaced by the fluorochrome 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl, to visualize how cell integrity is affected. Fol(FLUO) exhibited the same toxicity as the natural compound and was shown to be readily taken up by TBY-2 cells, followed by integration into subcellular membrane structures. Although the plasma membrane seemed not to be labeled, Fol(FLUO) was associated with the tonoplast, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus or lipid bodies. Longer exposure times and increased Fol(FLUO) accumulation triggered the formation and proliferation of new membrane structures of as yet unknown function. Finally, at even higher and clearly cytotoxic concentrations of the analog, the cell contents became clearly disorganized, with cell swelling and ultimately plasmolysis.

Farnesol and geraniol chemopreventive activities during the initial phases of hepatocarcinogenesis involve similar actions on cell proliferation and DNA damage, but distinct actions on apoptosis, plasma cholesterol and HMGCoA reductase

Chemopreventive activities of farnesol (FOH) and geraniol (GOH) were evaluated during the initial phases of hepatocarcinogenesis. Rats received during eight consecutive weeks 25 mg/100 g body weight FOH (FOH group) or GOH (GOH group), or only corn oil (CO group, controls). Incidence (%) and mean number of visible hepatocyte nodules/animal were inhibited in FOH group (13% and 4 +/- 1; P < 0.05), but not in GOH group (42% and 18 +/- 17, P > 0.05), compared to CO group (100% and 42 +/- 17). Mean area (mm2) and % liver section area occupied by total hepatic placental glutathione S-transferase positive preneoplastic lesions (PNLs) were reduced in FOH group (0.09 +/- 0.06; 2.8 +/- 1.3; P < 0.05) compared to CO group (0.18 +/- 0.12; 10.0 +/- 2.8), while in GOH group only the mean area of these PNL was reduced (0.11 +/- 0.09; P < 0.05), but not the % liver section area occupied by them (5.1 +/- 1.1; P > 0.05). Compared to CO group, FOH and GOH groups showed reduced (P < 0.05) PNL cell proliferation and DNA damage, but only GOH group showed increased PNL apoptosis (P < 0.05). FOH group, but not GOH group, presented reduced (P < 0.05) total plasma cholesterol levels and increased (P < 0.05) hepatic levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase mRNA, compared to CO group. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed between CO, FOH and GOH regarding hepatic levels of farnesoid X activated receptor (FXR) protein. Results indicate that FOH and GOH could represent promising chemopreventive agents against hepatocarcinogenesis. Inhibition of cell proliferation and DNA damage relate to both isoprenoids' anticarcinogenic actions while induction of apoptosis specifically relates to GOH protective actions. Inhibition of HMGCoA reductase activity could be associated with FOH, but not GOH anticarcinogenic actions. FXR does not seem to be involved in the isoprenoids' chemopreventive activities.

Modulation of hepatic and renal drug metabolizing enzyme activities in rats by subchronic administration of farnesol

Farnesol demonstrates antitumor activity in several animal models for human cancer and was being considered for development as a cancer chemopreventive agent. This study was performed to characterize the effects of minimally toxic doses of farnesol on the activity of phase I and II drug metabolizing enzymes. CD((R)) rats (20/sex/group) received daily gavage exposure to farnesol doses of 0, 500, or 1000 mg/kg/day for 28 days; 10 rats/sex/group were necropsied at the termination of farnesol exposure; remaining animals were necropsied after a 28-day recovery period. No deaths occurred during the study, and farnesol had no significant effects on body weight, food consumption, clinical signs, or hematology/coagulation parameters. Modest but statistically significant alterations in several clinical chemistry parameters were observed at the termination of farnesol exposure; all clinical pathology effects were reversed during the recovery period. At the termination of dosing, the activities of CYP1A, CYP2A1-3, CYP2B1/2, CYP2C11/12, CYP2E1, CYP3A1/2, CYP4A1-3, CYP19, glutathione reductase, NADPH/quinone oxidoreductase and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase were significantly increased in the livers of farnesol-treated rats; farnesol also increased the activity of glutathione S-transferase in the kidney. The effects of farnesol on hepatic and renal enzymes were reversed during the recovery period. At the end of the dosing period, increases in absolute and relative liver and kidney weights were seen in farnesol-treated rats. These increases may be secondary to induction of drug metabolizing enzymes, since organ weight increases were not associated with histopathologic alterations and were reversed upon discontinuation of farnesol exposure. Administration of farnesol at doses of up to 1000 mg/kg/day induced reversible increases in the activities of several hepatic and renal drug metabolizing enzymes in rats, while inducing only minimal toxicity. It is concluded that non-toxic or minimally toxic doses of farnesol could alter the metabolism, efficacy, and/or toxicity of drugs with which it is co-administered.

Farnesol is glucuronidated in human liver, kidney and intestine in vitro, and is a novel substrate for UGT2B7 and UGT1A1

Farnesol is an isoprenoid found in many aromatic plants and is also produced in humans, where it acts on numerous nuclear receptors and has received considerable attention due to its apparent anticancer properties. Although farnesol has been studied for over 30 years, its metabolism has not been well characterized. Recently, farnesol was shown to be metabolized by cytochromes P450 in rabbit; however, neither farnesol hydroxylation nor glucuronidation in humans have been reported to date. In the present paper, we show for the first time that farnesol is metabolized to farnesyl glucuronide, hydroxyfarnesol and hydroxyfarnesyl glucuronide by human tissue microsomes, and we identify the specific human UGTs (uridine diphosphoglucuronosyltransferases) involved. Farnesol metabolism was examined by a sensitive LC (liquid chromatography)-MS/MS method. Results indicate that farnesol is a good substrate for glucuronidation in human liver, kidney and intestine microsomes (values in nmol/min per mg). Initial analysis using expressed human UGTs indicated that UGTs 1A1 and 2B7 were primarily responsible for glucuronidation in vitro, with significantly lower activity for all the other UGTs tested (UGTs 1A3, 1A4, 1A6, 1A9 and 2B4). Kinetic analysis and inhibition experiments indicate that, in liver microsomes, UGT1A1 is primarily responsible for farnesol glucuronidation; however, in intestine microsomes, UGT2B7 is probably the major isoform involved, with a very-low-micromolar K(m). We also show the first direct evidence that farnesol can be metabolized to hydroxyfarnesol by human liver microsomes and that hydroxyfarnesol is metabolized further to hydroxyfarnesyl glucuronide. Thus glucuronidation may modulate the physiological and/or pharmacological properties of this potent signalling molecule.

Geranylgeraniol and β-ionone inhibit hepatic preneoplastic lesions, cell proliferation, total plasma cholesterol and DNA damage during the initial phases of hepatocarcinogenesis, but only the former inhibits NF-κB activation

Chemopreventive activities of the isoprenoids geranylgeraniol (GGO) and beta-ionone (BI) were evaluated during initial phases of hepatocarcinogenesis. Rats received 8 or 16 mg/100 g body wt GGO (GGO8 and GGO16 groups) or BI (BI8 and BI16 groups), or only corn oil (CO group, controls) daily for 7 weeks. Incidence (%) and the mean number of visible hepatocyte nodules/animal were inhibited in the GGO8 (64% and 21 +/- 40), GGO16 (33% and 3 +/- 5), BI8 (50% and 13 +/- 34) and BI16 (42% and 9 +/- 19) groups compared with the CO group (100% and 34 +/- 51) (P < 0.05, except for the GGO8 group). Number/cm(2) liver section, mean area (mm(2)) and % liver section area occupied by persistent hepatic placental glutathione S-transferase positive preneoplastic lesions (PNL) were reduced in the GGO8 (11 +/- 9; 0.26 +/- 0.35; 2.7 +/- 3.0), GGO16 (6 +/- 6; 0.18 +/- 0.16; 0.9 +/- 0.9), BI8 (9 +/- 5; 0.13 +/- 0.20; 1.1 +/- 1.2) and BI16 (8 +/- 6; 0.08 +/- 0.09; 0.6 +/- 0.4) groups compared with the CO group (26 +/- 18; 0.29 +/- 0.34; 7.0 +/- 5.5) (P < 0.05). GGO16 and BI16 groups showed smaller visible hepatocyte nodules, reduced PNL cell proliferation and total plasma cholesterol levels compared with the CO group (P < 0.05), but did not show any differences (P > 0.05) in PNL apoptosis. DNA damage expressed as comet length (microm) was reduced in the GGO8 (96.7 +/- 1.5), GGO16 (94.2 +/- 1.5), BI8 (97.1 +/- 1.1) and BI16 (95.1 +/- 1.5) groups compared with the CO group (102.1 +/- 1.7) (P < 0.05). In comparison with normal animals, the CO group animals showed increased (P < 0.05) nuclear levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) p65 subunit in hepatic cells, which were decreased (P < 0.05) in the GGO16 group animals. Anticarcinogenic actions of these isoprenoids seem to follow a dose-response relationship. Results indicate that GGO and BI could be represented as promising chemopreventive agents against hepatocarcinogenesis. Inhibition of cell proliferation and DNA damage seems to be important for the anticarcinogenic actions of isoprenoids, while the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation seems to be specifically related to GGO actions.

Cytochrome P450 expression and activities in human tongue cells and their modulation by green tea extract

The expression, inducibility, and activities of several cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes were investigated in a human tongue carcinoma cell model, CAL 27, and compared with the human liver model HepG2 cells. The modulation effects of green tea on various CYP isoforms in both cell lines were also examined. RT-PCR analysis of CAL 27 cells demonstrated constitutive expression of mRNA for CYPs 1A1, 1A2, 2C, 2E1, 2D6, and 4F3. The results were negative for CYP2A6, 2B6/7, 3A3/4, and 3A7. Both cell lines displayed identical expression and induction profiles for all of the isoforms examined in this study except 3A7 and 2B6/7, which were produced constitutively in HepG2 but not Cal-27 cells. CYP1A1 and 1A2 were both induced by treatment with beta-napthoflavone as indicated by RT-PCR and Western blotting, while CYP2C mRNA was upregulated by all-trans retinoic acid and farnesol. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of CYP1A1 and 1A2 were induced by green tea extract (GTE), which also caused an increase in mRNA for CYP2E1, CYP2D6, and CYP2C isoforms. The four tea catechins, EGC, EC, EGCG and ECG, applied to either HepG2 or Cal-27 cells at the concentration found in GTE failed to induce CYP1A1 or CYP1A2, as determined by RT-PCR. Of the isoforms that were apparently induced by GTE, only 7-ethoxycoumarin deethylase (ECOD) activity could be detected in CAL 27 or HepG2 cells. Interestingly, mRNA and protein for CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 were detected in both cell lines, and although protein and mRNA levels of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 were increased by GTE, the observed ECOD activity in both cell lines was decreased.

ω-Hydroxylation of farnesol by mammalian cytochromes P450

Studies have shown that mammalian cytochromes p450 participate in the metabolism of terpenes, yet their role in the biotransformation of farnesol, an endogenous 15-carbon isoprenol, is unknown. In this report, [(14)C]-farnesol was transformed to more polar metabolites by NADPH-supplemented mammalian microsomes. In experiments with microsomes isolated from acetone-treated animals, the production of one polar metabolite was induced, suggesting catalysis by CYP2E1. The metabolite was identified as (2E, 6E, 10E)-12-hydroxyfarnesol. In studies with purified CYP2E1, 12-hydroxyfarnesol was obtained as the major product of farnesol metabolism. Among a series of available human p450 enzymes, only CYP2C19 also produced 12-hydroxyfarnesol. However, in individual human microsomes, CYP2E1 was calculated to contribute up to 62% toward total 12-hydroxyfarnesol production, suggesting CYP2E1 as the major catalyst. Mammalian cells expressing CYP2E1 demonstrated further farnesol metabolism to alpha,omega-prenyl dicarboxylic acids. Since such acids were identified in animal urine, the data suggest that CYP2E1 could be an important regulator of farnesol homeostasis in vivo. In addition, CYP2E1-dependent 12-hydroxyfarnesol formation was inhibited by pharmacological alcohol levels. Given that farnesol is a signaling molecule implicated in the regulation of tissue and cell processes, the biological activity of ethanol may be mediated in part by interaction with CYP2E1-dependent farnesol metabolism.

Isoprenoids: Remarkable diversity of form and function

The isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway is the source of a wide array of products. The pathway has been highly conserved throughout evolution, and isoprenoids are some of the most ancient biomolecules ever identified, playing key roles in many life forms. In this review we focus on C-10 mono-, C-15 sesqui-, and C-20 diterpenes. Evidence for interconversion between the pathway intermediates farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate and their respective metabolites is examined. The diverse functions of these molecules are discussed in detail, including their ability to regulate expression of the beta-HMG-CoA reductase and Ras-related proteins. Additional topics include the mechanisms underlying the apoptotic effects of select isoprenoids, antiulcer activities, and the disposition and degradation of isoprenoids in the environment. Finally, the significance of pharmacological manipulation of the isoprenoid pathway and clinical correlations are discussed.

Cytochrome P450 expression and activities in rat, rabbit and bovine tongue

Xenobiotic metabolism in the tongue has received little attention in the literature. In the present study, we report a comparative analysis of constitutive cytochrome P450 (CYP) expression and activities in the tongue. First we compared catalytic activities of rabbit, rat and bovine tongue samples using the probe substrates 4-nitrophenol, 1-phenylethanol, caffeine and 7-ethoxycoumarin. Rabbit tongue samples showed the highest activities for all substrates. We then compared the activities in rat and rabbit tongue with those in the rabbit liver, along with the effects of P450 inhibitors on specific activities. Combined, the activity studies indicate that CYP1A1 is active in rabbit tongue cells, but CYP1A2, CYP3A6 and CYP2E1 are below limits of detection. RT-PCR was also used to compare mRNA levels of 11 different rabbit and six different rat P450 isoforms in the tongue to those in the liver of these two species. Only CYP2E1, CYP1A1 and CYP4A4 were detected at significant levels in the rabbit tongue. None of the six rat isoforms probed were observed in the tongue. Although 4-nitrophenol activity was observed in the rabbit tongue samples, the kinetic parameter K(m) was inconsistent with the involvement of CYP2E1. We suggest that although CYP2E1 is expressed in the tongue, it is rapidly degraded in this organ, and the nitrophenol hydroxylation and caffeine hydroxylation we observe is the result of activity of CYP1A1.

Squalestatin 1-inducible expression of rat CYP2B: evidence that an endogenous isoprenoid is an activator of the constitutive androstane receptor

Because our previous studies indicated that squalestatin 1 treatment induces CYP2B expression in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes as a direct consequence of squalene synthase inhibition, we investigated possible underlying mechanisms. Cotransfection of cultured Sprague-Dawley male rat hepatocytes with each of the three sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) transcription factors failed to induce luciferase expression from a squalestatin 1-responsive CYP2B1 reporter plasmid. Squalestatin 1 treatment of primary hepatocyte cultures from male Wistar-Kyoto rats produced a greater induction of CYP2B mRNA than occurred in cultures from female rats, consistent with the previously demonstrated response dimorphism that has been attributed to differences in constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) levels. Cotransfection of female Wistar-Kyoto rat hepatocyte cultures with plasmid expressing either mouse or rat CAR restored squalestatin 1-inducible CYP2B1-reporter expression. Cotransfection of Sprague-Dawley rat hepatocyte cultures with plasmid expressing rat CAR lacking the C-terminal AF-2 subdomain inhibited squalestatin 1-inducible CYP2B1-reporter expression. Squalestatin 1-mediated CYP2B mRNA induction in rat hepatocyte cultures was completely abolished by pretreatment with the 3-hydroxymethyl-3-glutaryl CoA reductase inhibitor pravastatin and was rescued by mevalonate supplementation, whereas phenobarbital-mediated induction was unaffected by these treatments. Finally, direct addition of trans,trans-farnesol to the culture medium caused the rapid induction of CYP2B mRNA. These results indicate that squalestatin 1 treatment induces CYP2B expression, not by inhibiting sterol synthesis and activating SREBPs, but by evoking the accumulation of an endogenous isoprenoid and activating CAR.