Quantitative analyses of electrostatic interactions between NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome P450 enzymes

Thrombin activation of the factor XI dimer is a multistaged process for each subunit

BACKGROUND

Factor (F)XI can be activated by proteases, including thrombin and FXIIa. The interactions of these enzymes with FXI are transient in nature and therefore difficult to study.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the binding interface between thrombin and FXI and understand the dynamics underlying FXI activation.

METHODS

Crosslinking mass spectrometry was used to localize the binding interface of thrombin on FXI. Molecular dynamics simulations were applied to investigate conformational changes enabling thrombin-mediated FXI activation after binding. The proposed trajectory of activation was examined with nanobody 1C10, which was previously shown to inhibit thrombin-mediated activation of FXI.

RESULTS

We identified a binding interface of thrombin located on the light chain of FXI involving residue Pro520. After this initial interaction, FXI undergoes conformational changes driven by binding of thrombin to the apple 1 domain in a secondary step to allow migration toward the FXI cleavage site. The 1C10 binding site on the apple 1 domain supports this proposed trajectory of thrombin. We validated the results with known mutation sites on FXI. As Pro520 is conserved in prekallikrein (PK), we hypothesized and showed that thrombin can bind PK, even though it cannot activate PK.

CONCLUSION

Our investigations show that the activation of FXI is a multistaged procedure. Thrombin first binds to Pro520 in FXI; thereafter, it migrates toward the activation site by engaging the apple 1 domain. This detailed analysis of the interaction between thrombin and FXI paves a way for future interventions for bleeding or thrombosis.

Probing the Role of the Hinge Segment of Cytochrome P450 Oxidoreductase in the Interaction with Cytochrome P450

NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) is the unique redox partner of microsomal cytochrome P450s (CYPs). CPR exists in a conformational equilibrium between open and closed conformations throughout its electron transfer (ET) function. Previously, we have shown that electrostatic and flexibility properties of the hinge segment of CPR are critical for ET. Three mutants of human CPR were studied (S243P, I245P and R246A) and combined with representative human drug-metabolizing CYPs (isoforms 1A2, 2A6 and 3A4). To probe the effect of these hinge mutations different experimental approaches were employed: CYP bioactivation capacity of pre-carcinogens, enzyme kinetic analysis, and effect of the ionic strength and cytochrome b₅ (CYB5) on CYP activity. The hinge mutations influenced the bioactivation of pre-carcinogens, which seemed CYP isoform and substrate dependent. The deviations of Michaelis-Menten kinetic parameters uncovered tend to confirm this discrepancy, which was confirmed by CYP and hinge mutant specific salt/activity profiles. CPR/CYB5 competition experiments indicated a less important role of affinity in CPR/CYP interaction. Overall, our data suggest that the highly flexible hinge of CPR is responsible for the existence of a conformational aggregate of different open CPR conformers enabling ET-interaction with structural varied redox partners.

Functioning of Microsomal Cytochrome P450s: Murburn Concept Explains the Metabolism of Xenobiotics in Hepatocytes

Using oxygen and NADPH, the redox enzymes cytochrome P450 (CYP) and its reductase (CPR) work in tandem to carry out the phase I metabolism of a vast majority of drugs and xenobiotics. As per the erstwhile understanding of the catalytic cycle, binding of the substrate to CYP's heme distal pocket allows CPR to pump electrons through a CPR-CYP complex. In turn, this trigger (a thermodynamic push of electrons) leads to the activation of oxygen at CYP's heme-center, to give Compound I, a two-electron deficient enzyme reactive intermediate. The formation of diffusible radicals and reactive oxygen species (DROS, hitherto considered an undesired facet of the system) was attributed to the heme-center. Recently, we had challenged these perceptions and proposed the murburn ("mured burning" or "mild unrestricted burning") concept to explain heme enzymes' catalytic mechanism, electron-transfer phenomena and the regulation of redox equivalents' consumption. Murburn concept incorporates a one-electron paradigm, advocating obligatory roles for DROS. The new understanding does not call for high-affinity substrate-binding at the heme distal pocket of the CYP (the first and the most crucial step of the erstwhile paradigm) or CYP-CPR protein-protein complexations (the operational backbone of the erstwhile cycle). Herein, the dynamics of reduced nicotinamide nucleotides' consumption, peroxide formation and depletion, product(s) formation, etc. was investigated with various controls, by altering reaction variables, environments and through the incorporation of diverse molecular probes. In several CYP systems, control reactions lacking the specific substrate showed comparable or higher peroxide in milieu, thereby discrediting the foundations of the erstwhile hypothesis. The profiles obtained by altering CYP:CPR ratios and the profound inhibitions observed upon the incorporation of catalytic amounts of horseradish peroxidase confirm the obligatory roles of DROS in milieu, ratifying murburn as the operative concept. The mechanism of uncoupling (peroxide/water formation) was found to be dependent on multiple one and two electron equilibriums amongst the reaction components. The investigation explains the evolutionary implications of xenobiotic metabolism, confirms the obligatory role of diffusible reactive species in routine redox metabolism within liver microsomes and establishes that a redox enzyme like CYP enhances reaction rates (achieves catalysis) via a novel (hitherto unknown) modality.

A well-balanced preexisting equilibrium governs electron flux efficiency of a multidomain diflavin reductase

Diflavin reductases are bidomain electron transfer proteins in which structural reorientation is necessary to account for the various intramolecular and intermolecular electron transfer steps. Using small-angle x-ray scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance data, we describe the conformational free-energy landscape of the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), a typical bidomain redox enzyme composed of two covalently-bound flavin domains, under various experimental conditions. The CPR enzyme exists in a salt- and pH-dependent rapid equilibrium between a previously described rigid, locked state and a newly characterized, highly flexible, unlocked state. We further establish that maximal electron flux through CPR is conditioned by adjustable stability of the locked-state domain interface under resting conditions. This is rationalized by a kinetic scheme coupling rapid conformational sampling and slow chemical reaction rates. Regulated domain interface stability associated with fast stochastic domain contacts during the catalytic cycle thus provides, to our knowledge, a new paradigm for improving our understanding of multidomain enzyme function.

Functional roles of the hexamer organization of plant glutamate decarboxylase

Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) is a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the α-decarboxylation of glutamate to γ-aminobutyrate. A unique feature of plant GAD is the presence of a calmodulin (CaM)-binding domain at its C-terminus. In plants, transient elevation of cytosolic Ca²⁺ in response to different types of stress is responsible for GAD activation via CaM. The crystal structure of GAD isoform 1 from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtGAD1) shows that the enzyme is a hexamer composed of a trimer of dimers. Herein, we show that in solution AtGAD1 is in a dimer-hexamer equilibrium and estimate the dissociation constant (Kd) for the hexamer under different conditions. The association of dimers into hexamers is promoted by several conditions, including high protein concentrations and low pH. Notably, binding of Ca²⁺/CaM1 abolishes the dissociation of the AtGAD1 oligomer. The AtGAD1 N-terminal domain is critical for maintaining the oligomeric state as removal of the first 24 N-terminal residues dramatically affects oligomerization by producing a dimeric enzyme. The deleted mutant retains decarboxylase activity, highlighting the dimeric nature of the basic structural unit of AtGAD1. Site-directed mutagenesis identified Arg24 in the N-terminal domain as a key residue since its mutation to Ala prevents hexamer formation in solution. Both dimeric mutant enzymes form a stable hexamer in the presence of Ca²⁺/CaM1. Our data clearly reveal that the oligomeric state of AtGAD1 is highly responsive to a number of experimental parameters and may have functional relevance in vivo in the light of the biphasic regulation of AtGAD1 activity by pH and Ca²⁺/CaM1 in plant cells. This article is part of a special issue titled "Cofactor-Dependent Proteins: Evolution, Chemical Diversity and Bio-applications."

Anion-Dependent Stimulation of CYP3A4 Monooxygenase

We co-crystallized human cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) with progesterone (PRG) under two different conditions, but the resulting complexes contained only one PRG molecule bound to the previously identified peripheral site. A novel feature in one of our structures is a citrate ion, originating from the crystallization solution. The citrate-binding site is located in an area where the N-terminus splits from the protein core and, thus, is suitable for the interaction with the anionic phospholipids of the microsomal membrane. We investigated how citrate affects the function of a soluble CYP3A4 monooxygenase system consisting of equimolar amounts of CYP3A4 and cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). Citrate was found to affect the properties of both redox partners and stimulated their catalytic activities in a concentration-dependent manner via a complex mechanism. CYP3A4-substrate binding, reduction of CPR with NADPH, and interflavin and interprotein electron transfer were identified as citrate-sensitive steps. Comparative analysis of various negatively charged organic compounds indicated that, in addition to alterations caused by changes in ionic strength, anions modulate the properties of CYP3A4 and CPR through specific anion-protein interactions. Our results help to better understand previous observations and provide new mechanistic insights into CYP3A4 function.

Reaction of human cytochrome P450 3A4 with peroxynitrite: nitrotyrosine formation on the proximal side impairs its interaction with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase

The reaction of peroxynitrite (PN) with purified human cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) resulted in the loss of the reduced-CO difference spectrum, but the absolute absorption spectrum of the heme was not significantly altered. The loss of 7-benzyloxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)coumarin (BFC) O-debenzylation activity of CYP3A4 was concentration-dependent with respect to PN, and the loss of BFC activity supported by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) was much greater than that supported by tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Moreover, the PN-treated CYP3A4 exhibited a reduced-CO spectrum when reduced by CPR that was much smaller than when it was reduced by dithionite. These results suggest that modification of CYP3A4 by PN may impair its interaction with CPR, leading to the loss of catalytic activity. Tyrosine nitration, as measured by an increase in mass of 45 Da due to the addition of a nitro group, was used as a biomarker for protein modification by PN. PN-treated CYP3A4 was digested by trypsin and endoproteinase Glu C, and nitrotyrosine formation was then determined by using electrospray ionization-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Tyr residues 99, 307, 347, 430, and 432 were found to be nitrated. Using the GRAMM-X docking program, the structure for the CYP3A4-CPR complex shows that Tyr99, Tyr347, and Tyr430 are on the proximal side of CYP3A4 and are in close contact with three acidic residues in the FMN domain of CPR, suggesting that modification of one or more of these tyrosine residues by PN may influence CPR binding or the transfer of electrons to CYP3A4. Mutagenesis of Tyr430 to Phe or Val revealed that both the aromatic and the hydroxyl groups of Tyr are required for CPR-dependent catalytic activity and thus support the idea that the proximal side Tyr participates in the 3A4-CPR interaction. In conclusion, modification of tyrosine residues by PN and their subsequent identification can be used to enhance our knowledge of the structure/function relationships of the P450s with respect to the electron transfer steps, which are critical for P450 activity.

Uncovering the role of hydrophobic residues in cytochrome P450-cytochrome P450 reductase interactions

Cytochrome P450 (CYP or P450)-mediated drug metabolism requires the interaction of P450s with their redox partner, cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). In this work, we have investigated the role of P450 hydrophobic residues in complex formation with CPR and uncovered novel roles for the surface-exposed residues V267 and L270 of CYP2B4 in mediating CYP2B4--CPR interactions. Using a combination of fluorescence labeling and stopped-flow spectroscopy, we have investigated the basis for these interactions. Specifically, in order to study P450--CPR interactions, a single reactive cysteine was introduced in to a genetically engineered variant of CYP2B4 (C79SC152S) at each of seven strategically selected surface-exposed positions. Each of these cysteine residues was modified by reaction with fluorescein-5-maleimide (FM), and the CYP2B4-FM variants were then used to determine the K(d) of the complex by monitoring fluorescence enhancement in the presence of CPR. Furthermore, the intrinsic K(m) values of the CYP2B4 variants for CPR were measured, and stopped-flow spectroscopy was used to determine the intrinsic kinetics and the extent of reduction of the ferric P450 mutants to the ferrous P450--CO adduct by CPR. A comparison of the results from these three approaches reveals that the sites on P450 exhibiting the greatest changes in fluorescence intensity upon binding CPR are associated with the greatest increases in the K(m) values of the P450 variants for CPR and with the greatest decreases in the rates and extents of reduced P450--CO formation.

Functional characterization of human cytochrome P450 2S1 using a synthetic gene-expressed protein in Escherichia coli

Human cytochrome P450 2S1 was recently identified and shown to be inducible by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and hypoxia. It is highly expressed in epithelial cells of tissues that are exposed to the environment and in many tumors of epithelial origin. The biological function of CYP2S1 has not yet been determined, although its possible role in carcinogen metabolism has been suggested. In this report, we investigated its ability to metabolize carcinogens. To obtain a large quantity of active enzyme for substrate screening, we overexpressed CYP2S1 in Escherichia coli (200 nM culture), using a synthetic gene approach. High-level expression allowed us to achieve purification of CYP2S1 with high specific content and purity (16 nmol/mg). Despite high-level expression, we found that CYP2S1 was not readily reduced by cytochrome P450 reductase, and thus no activity was found using NADPH. However, the oxidative activity of CYP2S1 was supported by cumene hydroperoxide or H(2)O(2), such that CYP2S1 oxidized many important environmental carcinogens, including benzo[a]pyrene, 9,10-dihydro-benzo[a]pyrene, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol, aflatoxin B1, naphthalene, and styrene, with high turnover. Most substrates tested were converted to detoxification products, except in the case of benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol, which was converted into the very potent carcinogenic metabolite 7,8-dihydrodiol-trans-9,10-epoxide at a relatively efficient rate (K(m) = 12.4 +/- 2 microM, turnover = 2.3 min(-1)). This metabolite formation was also supported both in vitro and in vivo by fatty acid hydroperoxides described in the accompanying report (p. 1044). Together, these data indicate that CYP2S1 contributes to the metabolism of environmental carcinogens via an NADPH independent activity.

Mechanism of electron transfer in fusion protein cytochrome b5-NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase

In the present work we summarize results on construction of expression plasmid, heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, isolation and purification, as well as physicochemical characterization of chimeric protein consisting of hydrophilic domain of cytochrome b(5) and truncated from the N-terminal sequence (Delta(23)) form of NADH-cytochrome b(5) reductase. The kinetics and mechanism of electron transfer between NADH-cytochrome b(5) reductase and cytochrome b(5) in the frames of fusion protein consisting of cytochrome b(5) (94 amino acids) and truncated form of NADH-cytochrome b(5) reductase (277 amino acids) have been studied. It is shown that electron transfer takes place between redox partners belonging to two different molecules of the chimeric protein. Using computer modeling, we built the model of the tertiary structure of the fusion protein, which is in agreement with experimental data. By using Marcus theory of electron transfer in polar media, we demonstrate the inability of the hypothesis of electrostatic repulsions to explain the increase of electron transfer rate on increase of ion concentration in media due to elimination of the repulsion of similar charges. The real reason for the increase of the first order rate constant in some oxidation-reduction reactions between proteins, as shown in the present work, is a decrease of the media reorganization energy resulting in decrease of activation energy for oxidation-reduction reactions.

Heteromeric complex formation between CYP2E1 and CYP1A2: evidence for the involvement of electrostatic interactions

Mixed reconstituted systems containing CYP2B4, CYP1A2, and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase were previously shown to exhibit a dramatic inhibition of 7-pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylation (PROD) when compared to simple reconstituted systems containing reductase and a single P450 enzyme, results consistent with the formation of CYP1A2-CYP2B4 complexes where the reductase binds with high affinity to the CYP1A2 moiety of the complex. In this report, we provide evidence for an interaction between CYP1A2 and CYP2E1. Synergism of 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (EROD) and PROD was observed when these P450s were combined in mixed reconstituted systems at subsaturating reductase concentrations. Higher ionic strength attenuated the synergistic stimulation of both PROD and EROD in mixed reconstituted systems, consistent with disruption of heteromeric CYP2E1-CYP1A2 complexes. The effect of ionic strength was further examined as a function of reductase concentration. At lower ionic strength, there was a significant synergistic stimulation of EROD. This synergistic stimulation diminished with increasing reductase concentration, resulting in an additive response as reductase became saturating. Interestingly, at high ionic strength, the synergism of EROD in the mixed reconstituted system was not observed. In contrast, mixed reconstituted systems containing CYP2E1 and CYP2B4 did not provide evidence for the formation of these heteromeric P450-P450 complexes. The synergistic stimulation observed with the reductase-CYP1A2-CYP2E1 mixed reconstituted system is consistent with the formation of a CYP1A2-CYP2E1 complex. Taken together with the lack of a kinetically detectable interaction between CYP2B4 and CYP2E1, and the previously reported CYP1A2-CYP2B4 interaction, these results suggest that CYP1A2 may facilitate the formation of complexes with other P450 enzymes.

BIMOLECULAR FLUORESCENCE COMPLEMENTATION ANALYSIS OF CYTOCHROME P450 2C2, 2E1, AND NADPH-CYTOCHROME P450 REDUCTASE MOLECULAR INTERACTIONS IN LIVING CELLS

Interactions between cytochromes P450 (P450s) and P450 reductase are required for enzymatic activity, and homo- or heterooligomerization of P450s may also be functionally important. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) was used to examine P450 interactions in a natural membrane context within living cells. BiFC detects protein interactions in living cells by reconstitution of a fluorescent protein from two fragments that are fused to the two interacting proteins. Nonspecific protein-protein interactions were detected if proteins were expressed at high levels. At low protein expression levels, homo-oligomerization of P450 2C2, but not P450 2E1, and interactions of these P450s with P450 reductase were detected by BiFC, consistent with interactions detected previously by fluorescence resonance emission transfer. Weak interaction of P450 2C2 with P450 2E1 and homooligomerization of P450 reductase was also detected by BiFC. Homo-oligomerization of the N-terminal P450 2C1 signal anchor sequence and interactions between the signal anchor and full-length P450 2C2 were detected, suggesting that homo-oligomerization of P450 2C2 is mediated by the signal anchor. However, interactions between the signal anchor and either P450 2E1 or P450 reductase were not detected by BiFC. Although high concentrations of the substrate lauric acid increased BiFC for both P450 2E1 and P450 2C2 with P450 reductase, the concentration dependence did not correlate with reported K(m) values. These results demonstrate that BiFC is an effective method to study the complex protein interactions that occur within the microsomal P450 system in living cells.

Electrochemical characterisation of the human cytochrome P450 CYP2C9

The electrochemistry of human cytochrome P4502C9 (CYP2C9) was characterised using purified His-tagged enzyme. The His-tagged enzyme was shown to have similar functional characteristics to native CYP2C9 heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and to the CYP2C9 activity of human liver microsomes. Evidence was observed for a reversible one-electron transfer between the P450 heme and the electrode. Both pH and ionic strength influenced the electrochemical behaviour of CYP2C9. A range of substrates was investigated to determine the effect of the heme-substrate interaction on CYP2C9 redox potential. In the absence of oxygen, tolbutamide, diclofenac, warfarin and sulfaphenazole did not alter the redox potential of the iron heme. In contrast, torsemide, carbon monoxide and oxygen led to an anodic shift in redox potential. These results suggest alternative mechanisms by which CYP2C9 (and by inference other P450 enzymes) may alter redox potential to facilitate electron delivery from physiological donors.

Effects of ionic strength on the functional interactions between CYP2B4 and CYP1A2

The presence of one P450 can influence the catalytic characteristics of a second enzyme through the formation of heteromeric P450 complexes. Such a complex has been reported for mixed reconstituted systems containing NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, CYP2B4, and CYP1A2, where a dramatic inhibition of 7-pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylation (PROD) was observed when compared to simple reconstituted systems containing reductase and a single P450 enzyme. The goal of the present study was to characterize this interaction by examining the potential of the CYP1A2-CYP2B4 complex to be formed by charge-pair interactions. With ionic interactions being sensitive to the surrounding ionic environment, monooxygenase activities were measured in both simple systems and mixed reconstituted systems as a function of ionic strength. PROD was found to be decreased at high ionic strength in both simple and mixed reconstituted systems, due to disruption of reductase-P450 complexes. Additionally, the inhibition of PROD in mixed reconstituted systems was relieved at high ionic strength, consistent with disruption of the CYP2B4-CYP1A2 complex. When ionic strength was measured as a function of CYP1A2 concentration, a shift to the right in the inflection point of the biphasic curve occurred at high ionic strength, consistent with a loss in CYP1A2 affinity for CYP2B4. When this analysis was applied to the same systems using a different substrate, 7-EFC, evidence for a high-affinity complex was not observed, demonstrating that the characteristics of the CYP1A2-CYP2B4 complex are influenced by the substrates present. These results support the role for a substrate specific electrostatic interaction between these P450 enzymes.

Cytochrome P450: what have we learned and what are the future issues?

The cytochrome P450 (P450) field came out of interest in the metabolism of drugs, carcinogens, and steroids, which remain major focal points. Over the years we have come to understand the P450 system components, the multiplicity of P450s, and many aspects of the regulation of the genes and also the catalytic mechanism. Many crystal structures are now becoming available. The significance of P450 in in vivo metabolism is appreciated, particularly in the context of pharmacogenetics. Current scientific issues involve posttranslational modification, gene regulation, component interactions, structures of P450 complexed with ligands, details of high-valent oxygen chemistry, the nature and influence of rate-limiting steps, greater details about some reaction steps, cooperativity, and the relevance of P450 variations to cancer risk. Some emerging research areas involve new methods of analysis of ligand interactions, roles of conformational changes linked to individual reaction steps, functions of orphan P450s, "molecular breeding" of new P450 functions and enhanced activity, and the utilization of P450s in chemical synthesis.

Involvement of NADPH in the interaction between heme oxygenase-1 and cytochrome P450 reductase

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) catalyzes the physiological degradation of heme at the expense of molecular oxygen using electrons donated by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). In this study, we investigated the effect of NADP(H) on the interaction of HO-1 with CPR by surface plasmon resonance. We found that HO-1 associated with CPR more tightly in the presence of NADP(+) (K(D) = 0.5 microm) than in its absence (K(D) = 2.4 microm). The HO-1 mutants, K149A, K149A/K153A, and R185A, showed almost no heme degradation activity with NADPH-CPR, whereas they exhibited activity comparable to that of the wild type when sodium ascorbate was used. R185A showed a 100-fold decreased affinity for CPR compared with wild type, even in the presence of NADP(+) (K(D) = 36.3 microm). The affinities of K149A and K149A/K153A for CPR were decreased 7- and 9-fold (K(D) = 16.8 and 21.8 microm), respectively. In contrast to R185A, the affinities of K149A and K149A/K153A were improved by the addition of NADP(+) (K(D) = 5.2 and 9.6 microm, respectively), as was the case with wild type. Computer modeling of the HO-1/CPR complex showed that the guanidino group of Arg(185) is located within the hydrogen bonding distance of 2'-phosphate of NADPH, suggesting that Arg(185) contributes to the binding to CPR through an electrostatic interaction with the phosphate group. On the other hand, Lys(149) is close to a cluster of acidic amino acids near the FMN binding site of CPR. Thus, Lys(149) and Lys(153) appear to interact with CPR in such a way as to orient the redox partners for optimal electron transfer from FMN of CPR to heme of HO-1.

Examining the mechanism of stimulation of cytochrome P450 by cytochrome b5: the effect of cytochrome b5 on the interaction between cytochrome P450 2B4 and P450 reductase

Dissociation constants K(d) for cytochrome P450 reductase (reductase) and cytochrome P450 2B4 are measured in the presence of various substrates. Aminopyrine increases the dissociation constant for binding of the two proteins. Furthermore, cytochrome b(5) (b(5)) stimulates metabolism of this substrate and dramatically decreases the substrate-related K(d) values. Experiments are performed to test if the b(5)-mediated stimulation is effected through a conformational change of P450. The effects of a redox-inactive analogue of b(5) (Mn b(5)) on product formation and reaction stoichiometry are determined. Variations in the concentration of Mn b(5) stock solution that have been shown to effect the aggregation state of the protein alter the rate of P450-mediated NADPH oxidation but have no effect on the rate of product formation. Thus, the electron transfer capability of b(5) is necessary for stimulation of metabolism. Furthermore, stopped flow spectrometry measurements of the rate of first electron reduction of the P450 by reductase indicate that the coupling of P450 2B4-mediated metabolism improves, in the presence of Mn b(5), with slower delivery of the first electron of the catalytic cycle by the reductase. These results are consistent with a model involving the regulation of the P450 catalytic cycle by conformational changes of the P450 enzyme. We propose that the conformational change(s) necessary for progression of the catalytic cycle is inhibited when reduced, but not oxidized, reductase is bound to the P450.

Tight-binding inhibition by alpha-naphthoflavone of human cytochrome P450 1A2

Human cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes exhibit remarkable diversity in their substrate specificities, participating in oxidation reactions of a wide range of xenobiotic drugs. Previously, we reported that alpha-naphthoflavone (ANF) is bound to the recombinant P450 1A2 tightly and stabilizes an overall enzyme conformation. The present study is designed to determine the type of P450 1A2 inhibition exerted by ANF, using two different substrates of P450 1A2, 7-ethoxycoumarin (EOC) and 7-ethoxyresorufin (EOR). ANF is generally known as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme. However, in our tight-binding enzyme kinetics study, ANF acts as noncompetitive inhibitor in 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation (ECOD) (K(i)=55.0 nM), but as competitive inhibitor in 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (EROD) (K(i)=1.4 nM). Based on homology modeling studies, ANF is positioned to bind to a hydrophobic cavity next to the active site where it may cause a direct effect on substrate binding. It is agreed with the predicted binding site of ANF in P450 3A4, in which ANF is rather known as a stimulating modulator. Our results suggest that ANF binds near the active site of P450 1A2 and exhibits differential inhibition mechanisms, possibly depending on the molecular structure of the substrate.

The binding sites on human heme oxygenase-1 for cytochrome p450 reductase and biliverdin reductase

Human heme oxygenase-1 (hHO-1) catalyzes the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase-dependent oxidation of heme to biliverdin, CO, and free iron. The biliverdin is subsequently reduced to bilirubin by biliverdin reductase. Earlier kinetic studies suggested that biliverdin reductase facilitates the release of biliverdin from hHO-1 (Liu, Y., and Ortiz de Montellano, P. R. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 5297-5307). We have investigated the binding of P450 reductase and biliverdin reductase to truncated, soluble hHO-1 by fluorescence resonance energy transfer and site-specific mutagenesis. P450 reductase and biliverdin reductase bind to truncated hHO-1 with Kd = 0.4 +/- 0.1 and 0.2 +/- 0.1 microm, respectively. FRET experiments indicate that biliverdin reductase and P450 reductase compete for binding to truncated hHO-1. Mutation of surface ionic residues shows that hHO-1 residues Lys18, Lys22, Lys179, Arg183, Arg198, Glu19, Glu127, and Glu190 contribute to the binding of cytochrome P450 reductase. The mutagenesis results and a computational analysis of the protein surfaces partially define the binding site for P450 reductase. An overlapping binding site including Lys18, Lys22, Lys179, Arg183, and Arg185 is similarly defined for biliverdin reductase. These results confirm the binding of biliverdin reductase to hHO-1 and define binding sites of the two reductases.

Organization of multiple cytochrome P450s with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase in membranes

Microsomal P450-mediated monooxygenase activity supported by NADPH requires an interaction between flavoprotein NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome P450. These proteins have been identified as the simplest system (with the inclusion of a phospholipid (PL) component) that possesses monooxygenase function; however, little is known about the organization of these proteins in the microsomal membrane. Although reductase and P450 are known to form a 1:1 functional complex, there exists a 10- to 20-fold excess of P450 over the reductase. This raises several questions including "How are the enzymes of the P450 system organized in the microsomal membrane?" and "Can one P450 enzyme affect the functional characteristics of another P450?" This review summarizes evidence supporting the potential for enzymes involved in the P450 system to interact, focusing on the interactions between reductase and P450 and interactions between multiple P450 enzymes. Studies on the aggregation characteristics of P450 as well as on rotational diffusion are detailed, with a special emphasis on the potential for P450 enzymes to produce oligomeric complexes and to suggest the environment in which P450 exists in the endoplasmic reticulum. Finally, more recent studies describing the potential for multiple P450s to exist as complexes and their effect on P450 function are presented, including studies using reconstituted systems as well as systems where two P450s are coexpressed in the presence of reductase. An understanding of the interactions among reductase and multiple P450s is important for predicting conditions where the drug disposition may be altered by the direct effects of P450-P450 complex formation. Furthermore, the potential for one P450 enzyme to affect the behavior of another P450 may be extremely important for drug screening and development, requiring metabolic screening of a drug with reconstituted systems containing multiple P450s rather than simpler systems containing only a single form.

The many roles of cytochrome b5

Four distinct suggestions have been made to explain the mechanism of the cytochrome b(5)-imposed positive modifier action of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase reaction. The first mechanism involves a direct input of an electron into the monooxygenase cycle. This is the second of the two electrons necessary for activation of molecular oxygen, and appears to be a rate-limiting step in the monooxygenase reaction. P450 monooxygenases all appear to be uncoupled to varying extents, releasing superoxide and hydrogen peroxide instead of oxidized substrate. A second mechanism suggests that cytochrome b(5) acts as a positive modifier of the monooxygenase by decreasing the extent of uncoupling of the monooxygenase reaction. The implication is that a slow input of the second electron allows uncoupling of a superoxide anion instead of formation of two-electron reduced oxygen. Faster input of the second electron via cytochrome b(5) would result in formation of more of the activated oxygen that reacts with substrate to form product. A third suggestion involves formation of a two-hemoprotein complex between cytochrome b(5) and cytochrome P450 that allows acceptance of two electrons from NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. Uncomplexed cytochrome P450 accepts an electron from the reductase, dissociates from it, binds oxygen, and re-associates with the reductase to accept another electron. Complexation with cytochrome b(5) enhances the rate of formation of the active oxygen by obviating the need for two interactions with reductase. The fourth mechanism has cytochrome b(5) serving as an effector without a reduction-oxidation role in the monooxygenation reaction. This effector function may be to enhance the breakdown of the oxygenated hemoprotein to products or to facilitate flow of electrons through the system.

Expression of functional mammalian P450 2E1 in hairy root cultures

P450 2E1 is an important mammalian liver enzyme known to metabolize a wide range of compounds including several common environmental pollutants. The medicinal plant, Atropa belladonna, was transformed with Agrobacterium rhizogenes containing a binary vector with rabbit P450 2E1 in either the sense or antisense orientation. The resulting "hairy roots" were isolated and grown in liquid medium. Production of P450 2E1 protein was verified in the roots containing the 2E1 gene in the sense orientation. Transgenic and control root cultures were dosed with the environmental pollutant, trichloroethylene (TCE), and were analyzed for the TCE metabolites, chloral and trichloroethanol. The root cultures expressing the mammalian P450 2E1 had increased levels of the metabolites compared to the levels in the control roots. This method represents a quick way to screen transformants for expression of foreign genes before regeneration of whole plants, and also as a possible source of foreign protein for purification.

Expression, purification, and biochemical characterization of a human cytochrome P450 CYP2D6-NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase fusion protein

Cytochrome P450 CYP2D6 metabolizes a wide range of pharmaceutical compounds. A CYP2D6 fusion enzyme (CYP2D6F), containing an amino-terminal human CYP2D6 sequence and a carboxyterminal human NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CPR) moiety, was constructed. High levels of expression were achieved in Escherichia coli (60-100 nmol/liter) and the enzyme was catalytically active with optimal activities achieved in the presence of the antioxidant, GSH. Turnover values for bufuralol 1'-hydroxylation, metoprolol alpha-hydroxylation, O-desmethylation, and dextromethorphan O-demethylation, using membranes expressing the fusion enzyme, were 5.6, 0.4, 0.72, and 6.19 min(-1), respectively. These values were similar to E. coli membranes which coexpressed human CYP2D6 and CPR (CYP2D6/R). The K(m) and k(cat) values for bufuralol metabolism were estimated to be 10.2 microM and 4.1 min(-1), respectively. The enzyme was purified using ion-exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography (2'-5' ADP-Sepharose), and gel filtration. Estimated turnover rates for bufuralol 1'-hydroxylation, metoprolol alpha-hydroxylation, O-desmethylation, and dextromethorphan O-demethylation were 1.2, 0.52, 0.79, and 0.76 min(-1), respectively. Bufuralol 1'-hydroxylase activity by purified CYP2D6F was enhanced by phospholipids and added CPR. The CYP2D6F enzyme was able to stimulate CYP3A4 testosterone 6beta-hydroxylase activity in a reconstitution system indicating that electron transfer may be largely intermolecular. The catalytically self-sufficient CYP2D6F enzyme will facilitate investigations of P450-CPR interactions and the development of new biocatalysts.

Characterization of hydride transfer to flavin adenine dinucleotide in neuronal nitric oxide synthase reductase domain: geometric relationship between the nicotinamide and isoalloxazine rings

Based on the similarity in both structure and function of the reductase domain of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOSred) to that of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), we determined whether the characteristics of hydride transfer from NADPH to flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) were similar for both proteins. Secondly, we questioned whether hydride transfer from NADPH to either nNOSred or holo-nNOS was rate limiting for reactions catalyzed by these two proteins. Utilizing 500 MHz proton NMR and deuterated substrate, we determined that the stereospecificity of hydride transfer from NADPH and the conformation of the nicotinamide ring around the glycosidic bond were similar between CPR and nNOSred. Specifically, nNOSred abstracts the A-side hydrogen from NADPH, and the nicotinamide ring is in the anti conformation. We determined that the rate of hydride transfer to FAD appears to become partially rate limiting only for exceptionally good electron acceptors such as cytochrome c. Hydride transfer is not rate limiting for NO. production under any conditions used in this study. Interestingly, the deuterium isotope effect was decreased in the cytochrome c reductase assay with both nNOS and nNOSred when the assays were conducted in high ionic strength buffer, suggesting an increase in the rate of hydride transfer to FAD. These results are in stark contrast to results obtained with CPR (D. S. Sem and C. B. Kasper, 1995, Biochemistry 34, 3391-3398) whereby hydride transfer is partially rate limiting at high, but not at low, ionic strength. The seemingly opposite results in deuterium isotope effect observed with CPR and nNOSred, under conditions of high and low ionic strength, suggest differences in structure and/or regulation of these important flavoproteins.

Role of LYS271 and LYS279 residues in the interaction of cytochrome P4501A1 with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase

It has been proposed that negatively charged amino acids on the surface of reductase and positively charged amino acids on the surface of P450 mediate the binding of both proteins through electrostatic interactions. In this study, we used a site-directed mutagenesis approach to determine a role for two lysine residues (Lys271 and Lys279) of cytochrome P4501A1 in the interaction of P4501A1 with reductase. We prepared two mutants P4501A1Ile271 and P4501A1Ile279 with a mutation of the lysine at positions 271 and 279, respectively. We observed a strong inhibition (>80%) of the 7-ethoxycoumarin and ethoxyresorufin deethylation activity in the reductase-supported system for both mutants. In the cumene hydroperoxide-supported system, P4501A1Ile279 exhibited wild-type activity, but the P4501A1Ile271 mutant activity remained low. The CD spectrum and substrate-binding assay indicated that the secondary structure of P4501A1Ile271 is perturbed. To evaluate further the involvement of these P4501A1 lysine residues in reductase binding, we measured the KM of reductase for wild type and mutants. Both wild type and P4501A1Ile271 reached saturation in the range of reductase concentrations tested with KM values 5.1 and 11.2 pM, respectively. The calculated KM value for P4501A1Ile279 increased 9-fold, 44.4 pM, suggesting that the mutation affected binding of reductase to P4501A1. Stopped-flow spectroscopy was employed to evaluate the effect of mutations on electron transfer from reductase to heme iron. Both wild type and P450Ile279 showed biphasic kinetics with a approximately 40% participation of the fast step in the total activity. On the other hand, only single-phase kinetics for iron reduction was observed for P450Ile271, suggesting that the low activity of this mutant can be attributed not only to major structural changes but also to a disturbance in the electron transport.

Optical biosensor investigation of interactions of biomembrane and water-soluble cytochromes P450 and their redox partners with covalently immobilized phosphatidylethanolamine layers

A phospholipid-containing biochip was created by covalently immobilizing phospholipids on the optical biosensor's aminosilane cuvette and employed to monitor the interactions of the membrane and water-soluble proteins in cytochrome P450-containing monooxygenase systems with planary layers of dilauroylphosphatidylethanolamine (DLPE) and distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE), differing in acyl chain length. It was shown that the full-length membrane proteins-cytochrome P4502B4 (d-2B4), cytochrome b5 (d-b5) and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (d-Fp)-readily incorporated into the phospholipids. The incorporation was largely due to hydrophobic interactions of membranous protein fragments with the phospholipid layer. However, electrostatic forces were also but not always involved in the incorporation process. They promoted d-Fp incorporation but had no effect on d-b5 incorporation. In low ionic strength buffer, no incorporation of these two proteins into the DSPE lipid layer was observable. Incorporation of d-b5 into the DLPE layer was abruptly increased at temperatures exceeding phospholipid phase transition point. Incorporation of d-2B4 was dependent on its aggregation state and decreased with increasing protein aggregability. Water-soluble proteins either would not interact with the phospholipid layer (adrenodoxin) or would bind to the layer at the cost of only electrostatic (albumin) or both electrostatic and hydrophobic (P450cam) interactions.

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.

Noncovalent interactions of the Apple 4 domain that mediate coagulation factor XI homodimerization

The Apple 4 (A4) domain of human plasma factor XI (FXI) was used to investigate the process of FXI noncovalent dimer formation. Recombinant 6-histidine-tagged A4 domain proteins were prepared utilizing a bacterial expression system. Purification was accomplished under denaturing conditions, followed by a refolding protocol to facilitate correct disulfide bond formation. Analysis of the A4 domain (C321S mutant) by size exclusion chromatography indicated the presence of a slowly equilibrating reversible monomer-dimer equilibrium. The elution profiles reveal highly symmetrical peaks for both dimeric and monomeric species with elution times that were highly reproducible for varying amounts of both the dimeric and monomeric species. The monomer-dimer equilibrium was found to be dependent upon changes in both pH and salt concentration. Under conditions approximating physiologic salt concentration and pH (20 mm HEPES, 100 mm NaCl, and 1 mm EDTA, pH 7.4), it was determined that the monomer-dimer equilibrium was characterized by a dissociation constant (K(D)) value of 229 +/- 26 nm with a calculated Delta G value of 9.1 kcal/mol. This report identifies electrostatic contributions and the presence of a hydrophobic component that mediate interactions at the A4 domain interface. The rate of dissociation for the recombinant A4 domain C321S mutant was examined by monitoring the increase in 4,4'-dianilino-1,1'-binaphthyl-5,5'-disulfonic acid dipotassium salt fluorescence under dissociating conditions, giving a value for a dissociation rate constant (k(off)) of 4.3 x 10(-3) s(-1).

Interactions between redox partners in various cytochrome P450 systems: functional and structural aspects

The various types of redox partner interactions employed in cytochrome P450 systems are described. The similarities and differences between the redox components in the major categories of P450 systems present in bacteria, mitochondria and microsomes are discussed in the light of the accumulated evidence from X-ray crystallographic and NMR spectroscopic determinations. Molecular modeling of the interactions between the redox components in various P450 mono-oxygenase systems is proposed on the basis of structural and mutagenesis information, together with experimental findings based on chemical modification of key residues likely to be associated with complementary binding sites on certain typical P450 isoforms and their respective redox partners.

Association of cytochromes P450 with their reductases: opposite sign of the electrostatic interactions in P450BM-3 as compared with the microsomal 2B4 system

The role of electrostatic interactions in the association of P450s with their nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate- (NADPH) dependent flavoprotein reductases was studied by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The fluorescent probe 7-(ethylamino)-3-(4'-maleimidylphenyl)-4-methylcoumarin maleimide (coumarylphenylmaleimide, CPM) was introduced into the flavoprotein molecule at a 1:1 molar ratio. The interaction of P450 2B4 and NADPH-P450 reductase (CPR) from rabbit liver microsomes was compared with that of the isolated heme domain (BMP) and the flavoprotein domain (BMR) of P450BM-3. The cross-pairs of the components were also studied. Increasing ionic strength (0.05-0.5 M) was shown to result in the dissociation of the CPR-P450 2B4 complex with the dissociation constant increasing from 0.01 to 0.09 microM. This behavior is consistent with the assumption that charge pairing between CPR and P450 2B4 is involved in their association. In contrast, the electrostatic component of the interaction of the partners in P450BM-3 was shown to have an opposite sign. The isolated BMP and BMR domains have very low affinity for each other and the dissociation constant of their complex decreases from 8 to 3 microM with increasing ionic strength (0.05-0.5 M). Importantly, the BMP-CPR and P450 2B4-BMR "mixed", heterogeneous pairs behave similarly to the pairs of BMP and P450 2B4 with their native electron donors. Therefore, the observed difference in the interaction mechanisms between these two systems is determined mainly by the different structure of the heme proteins rather than their flavoprotein counterparts. P450BM-3 is extremely efficient and highly coupled, with the reductase and the P450 domains tethered to one another. Therefore, in contrast to P450 2B4-CPR binding, very tight binding between the P450BM-3 redox partners would be of no value in the synchronization of complex formation during catalytic turnover.

Electrostatic interaction between cytochrome P450 and NADPH-P450 reductase: comparison of mixed and fused systems consisting of rat cytochrome P450 1A1 and yeast NADPH-P450 reductase

The electrostatic interaction between rat cytochrome P450 1A1 and yeast NADPH-P450 reductase was analyzed by using recombinant yeast microsomes containing both native enzymes or their fused enzyme. The Vmax of the 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation in the recombinant microsomes containing both rat cytochrome P4501A1 and yeast NADPH-P450 reductase (the mixed system) was maximal when the ionic strength of the reaction mixture was 0.1-0.15. However, on the fused enzyme between rat cytochrome P450 1A1 and yeast NADPH-P450 reductase (the fused system), the activity was uniformly reduced with increasing ionic strength. The pH profiles of Vmax were also different between the mixed and the fused systems. Based on these results, we propose a hypothesis that cytochrome P450 and NADPH-P450 reductase have more than one binding mode. The maximal activity of the mixed system at ionic strength of 0.1-0.15 is explained by change of the binding mode. On the other hand, the fused enzyme appears to have only one binding mode due to the limited topology of cytochrome P450 and NADPH-P450 reductase domains.

Interactions among P450 enzymes when combined in reconstituted systems: formation of a 2B4-1A2 complex with a high affinity for NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase

The purpose of this study is to characterize the interactions among P450 1A2, P450 2B4, and P450 reductase in mixed reconstituted systems. Previously, our laboratory demonstrated that in the presence of certain substrates, 1A2 can influence the catalytic characteristics of 2B4 [Cawley et al. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 1244-1247]. The goal of the current study is to distinguish between two models to explain these interactions: one model where substrate increases the affinity of one P450 enzyme for the reductase, and another model where substrate increases the affinity of one P450 for the reductase through the formation of a 1A2-2B4 complex. According to this model, the 1A2 moiety of 1A2-2B4 forms a high-affinity complex with reductase. Reductase, 1A2, and 2B4 were reconstituted with dilauroylphosphatidylcholine, and the effect of reductase concentration on 7-pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylation was examined with 2B4-reductase and 1A2-reductase binary systems, and in ternary systems containing different 2B4:1A2 ratios. At subsaturating [reductase], there was a dramatic inhibition of the 2B4-dependent activity in the ternary system as compared with the binary systems. These results are consistent with the formation of a ternary (reductase-1A2-2B4) complex where the reductase is bound specifically to 1A2. At higher reductase concentrations where the reductase-binding sites on 1A2 become saturated, the results are consistent with the formation of a quaternary complex in which reductase binds to both P450 enzymes (reductase-1A2-2B4-reductase). Analogous experiments using the 1A2-preferred substrate 7-ethoxyresorufin showed a stimulation of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylation in the mixed reconstituted system, demonstrating that the high-affinity 2B4-1A2-reductase complex was functionally active and not merely an inhibitory complex.

Conformational change and activation of cytochrome P450 2B1 induced by salt and phospholipid

A stimulatory effect of increased salt concentration on the enzymatic activity of rat liver microsomes and a reconstituted system containing cytochrome P450 (P450) 2B1 and NADPH-P450 reductase was seen. Structural change of P450 2B1 accompanying the salt-induced increase in its enzyme activity was investigated by circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, and absorption spectroscopy. It was found that the salt increased alpha-helix content of P450 2B1 in the presence as well as in the absence of a phospholipid. Intrinsic fluorescence emissions also increased with increasing salt concentration. The low-spin iron configuration of P450 2B1 shifted toward the high-spin configuration in response to the increased salt concentration. It was found that the activity increase of P450 coincides with the raised alpha-helix content. The presence of phospholipid magnified this effect. It is proposed that the interaction with salts and phospholipid molecules surrounding P450 2B1 in the endoplasmic reticulum is important for a functional conformation of P450 2B1 in a monooxygenase system including NADPH-P450 reductase.

Negatively charged anabaena flavodoxin residues (Asp144 and Glu145) are important for reconstitution of cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase activity

Catalysis by microsomal cytochromes P450 requires the membrane-bound enzyme NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (P450 reductase), which transfers electrons to the P450 heme via a flavodoxin-like domain. Previously, we reported that Escherichia coli flavodoxin (Fld), a soluble electron transfer protein, directly interacts with bovine cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (P450c17) and donates electrons to this enzyme when reconstituted with NADPH-ferredoxin (flavodoxin) reductase (FNR) (Jenkins, C. M., and Waterman, M. R. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 27401-27408). To investigate whether flavodoxins can serve as useful models of the analogous domain in P450 reductase, we have examined the FNR-Fld system from the cyanobacterium Anabaena. Mutagenesis of two acidic Anabaena Fld residues (D144A and E145A) significantly decreased flavodoxin-supported P450c17 progesterone 17alpha-hydroxylase activity. Specifically, D144A exhibited only 15% of the activity of wild-type Fld, whereas the adjacent mutation, E145A, caused a 40% loss in activity. P450-dependent hydrogen peroxide/superoxide production by wild-type FNR-Fld was measurably higher than that generated by FNR-D144A or FNR-E145A, indicating that the mutations do not lead to P450 heme-mediated electron uncoupling. Interestingly, the D144A and E145A mutants bind with equal or even greater affinity to P450c17 than wild-type Fld. Furthermore, these mutations (D144A and E145A) actually increased cytochrome c reductase activity (35 and 100% higher than wild type). Anabaena Fld residues Asp144 and Glu145 align closely with rat P450 reductase residue Asp208, which has been shown by mutagenesis to be important in electron transfer to P4502B1 but not to cytochrome c (Shen, A. L., and Kasper, C. B. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 27475-27480). Thus, these residues in flavodoxins and P450 reductase appear to have similar functions in P450 recognition and/or electron transfer, supporting the hypothesis that flavodoxins represent valid models for the FMN-binding domain of P450 reductase.

Conformational change of cytochrome P450 1A2 induced by phospholipids and detergents

Recently, it was reported that the activity of rabbit P450 1A2 is markedly increased at elevated salt concentration (Yun, C-H., Song, M., Ahn, T., and Kim, H. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 31312-31316). The activity increase of P450 1A2 coincides with the raised alpha-helix content and decreased beta-sheet content. The presence of phospholipid magnified this effect. Here, possible structural change of rabbit P450 1A2 accompanying the phospholipid-induced increase in its enzyme activity was investigated by circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, and absorption spectroscopy. Studies with the reconstituted system supported by cumene hydroperoxide or NADPH showed that the P450 1A2 activities were found to be dependent on the head group and hydrocarbon chain length of phospholipid. Phosphatidylcholines having short hydrocarbon chains with a carbon number of 8-12 were very efficient for reconstitution of the P450-catalyzed reactions supported by both cumene hydroperoxide and NADPH. It was found that the phospholipid increased the alpha-helix content and lowered the beta-sheet content of P450. Intrinsic fluorescence intensity is also increased in the presence of phospholipid. The low spin iron configuration of P450 1A2 shifted toward the high spin configuration by most of the phospholipids in the endoplasmic reticulum. Some synthetic phospholipids having short hydrocarbon chains with a carbon number of 10-12 caused a shift in the spin equilibrium of P450 1A2 toward low spin. The effect of detergents on the activity and conformation of P450 1A2 was also studied. It was found that the addition of detergents to P450 1A2 solution increased the enzyme activity of P450 1A2. Detergents also increased the alpha-helix content and lowered the beta-sheet content of P450 1A2. Intrinsic fluorescence emissions also increased with the presence of detergents. Octyl glucoside and deoxycholate caused a shift toward high spin. On the other hand, cholate caused a shift toward low spin. It was found that the activity increase of rabbit P450 1A2 coincides with the conformational change including raised alpha-helix content. It is proposed that the interaction with the phospholipid molecules surrounding P450 1A2 in the endoplasmic reticulum is important for a functional conformation of P450 1A2 in a monooxygenase system including NADPH-P450 reductase.

Reconstitution of recombinant cytochrome P450 2C10(2C9) and comparison with cytochrome P450 3A4 and other forms: effects of cytochrome P450-P450 and cytochrome P450-b5 interactions

Tolbutamide methyl hydroxylation and S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation activities were reconstituted in systems containing recombinant human cytochrome P450 (P450 or CYP) 2C10(2C9) and the optimal conditions for the systems were compared with those of bufuralol 1'-hydroxylation by CYP1A1, theophylline 8-hydroxylation by CYP1A2, bufuralol 1'-hydroxylation by CYP2D6, chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation by CYP2E1, and testosterone 6 beta-hydroxylation by CYP3A4. CYP2C10 required cytochrome b5 (b5) for optimal rates of tolbutamide and S-warfarin oxidations and b5 could be replaced by apo-b5; apo-b5 and b5 effects on the reconstituted systems have already been reported in systems containing CYP3A4 for the oxidation of testosterone and nifedipine and for the rapid reduction of CYP3A4 by NADPH-P450 reductase (H. Yamazaki et al., 1996, J. Biol. Chem. 271, 27438-27444). Stopped-flow studies, however, suggested that apo-b5 as well as b5 did not cause stimulation of the reduction of CYP2C10 by NADPH-P450 reductase, while the reduction rates were dependent on the substrates in reconstituted systems. Chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation by CYP2E1 was stimulated by b5, but not by apo-b5, in reconstituted systems. Neither apo- nor holo-b5 increased bufuralol 1'-hydroxylation activity by CYP1A1 or 2D6 or theophylline 8-hydroxylation by CYP1A2. Interestingly, we found that testosterone 6 beta-hydroxylation by CYP3A4 was stimulated by CYP1A2 (and also by a modified form in which the first 36 residues of the native human protein were removed) and CYP1A1 as well as by b5, and such stimulations were not seen when other P450 proteins (e.g., CYP2C10, 2D6, or 2E1) were added to the reconstituted systems. In contrast, substrate oxidations by CYP2C10 and CYP2E1 were not stimulated by other P450 proteins. The present results suggest that there are differences in optimal conditions for reconstitution of substrate oxidations by various forms of human P450 enzymes, and in some P450-catalyzed reactions protein-protein interactions between P450 and b5 and other P450 proteins are very important in some oxidations catalyzed by CYP2C10, 2E1, and 3A4.

Competitive interactions between cytochromes P450 2A6 and 2E1 for NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase in the microsomal membranes produced by a baculovirus expression system

The present study investigated the interactions between cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes and the NADPH:cytochrome oxidoreductase (OR) in the microsomal membrane. Microsomes containing human cytochrome P450 2A6 (h2A6) coexpressed with human OR (hOR) via a baculovirus expression system displayed coumarin hydroxylase activity with apparent Km and Vmax values of 0.41 microM and 4.05 nmol/min/nmol P450, respectively. Incorporation of purified rat liver cytochrome b5 (b5) into the microsomes increased the Vmax 2.5-fold, but did not affect the Km. The N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) demethylase activity of human cytochrome P450 2E1 (h2E1) coexpressed similarly was characterized previously. Coumarin was shown not to be a substrate nor an inhibitor of h2E1, and NDMA was not a substrate nor an inhibitor of h2A6. In microsomes containing h2A6, h2E1, and hOR (M-h2A6-h2E1-hOR) obtained from a triple expression system, the two P450 enzymes were shown to compete with each other for interaction with hOR. In incubations with M-h2A6-h2E1-hOR, the presence of a h2A6 substrate (coumarin) decreased NDMA demethylase activity by a maximum of 47%, and the presence of a h2E1 substrate (NDMA) decreased coumarin hydroxylase activity by a maximum of 19%. This substrate-induced competition between h2A6 and h2E1 was decreased by the addition of purified b5. In the absence of a substrate, the NADPH-dependent H2O2 formation was high in both M-h2A6-h2E1-hOR and M-h2E1-hOR, but low in M-h2A6-hOR. The addition of NDMA had little effect on the H2O2 formation in M-h2A6-h2E1-hOR and M-h2E1-hOR. The addition of coumarin, however, slightly decreased H2O2 formation in M-h2A6-h2E1-hOR, but drastically increased H2O2 formation in M-h2A6-hOR. These results suggest that the presence of a h2A6 substrate decreased the electron flow to h2E1 in M-h2A6-h2E1-hOR. The activities of coumarin hydroxylase and NDMA demethylase of M-h2A6-h2E1-hOR were decreased and increased, respectively, by an increase in ionic strength. The ionic strength, however, did not drastically change the substrate-induced competition between h2A6 and h2E1 for hOR. The results demonstrate the usefulness of the coexpression system for mechanistic studies and illustrate that the interaction of monooxygenase enzymes in the microsomal membrane is regulated by the presence of substrates and b5.

Characterization of a fusion protein between human cytochrome P450 1A1 and rat NADPH-P450 oxidoreductase in Escherichia coli

A cDNA of fusion protein between human cytochrome P450 1A1 and rat NADPH-P450 reductase was genetically engineered and expressed in Escherichia coli DH5alpha cells under the control of an inducible tac promoter (Y. J. Chun, T. Shimada, and F. P. Guengerich, (1996) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 330, 48-58). E. coli membranes of transformed cells showed much higher P450 1Al-dependent monooxygenase and NADPH-P450 reductase activities than pCW control vector or P450 1A1 expression vector-transformed cells. Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and methoxyresorufin O-demethylase were 22-fold and 11-fold higher than the control activity, respectively. alpha-Naphthoflavone and beta-naphthoflavone strongly inhibited P450 1A1 activity of the fusion protein, with alpha-naphthoflavone being more potent than beta-naphthoflavone. Divalent cations (e.g. Ca2+ and Mg2+) increased P450 1A1 activity as well as NADPH-P450 reductase activity. These results demonstrate that this fusion protein in E. coli membrane may be a useful model for elucidating details of protein-protein interactions between P450 and NADPH-P450 reductase in the endoplasmic reticulum of mammalian cells.

Biosynthesis of 3,6-dideoxyhexoses: in vivo and in vitro evidence for protein-protein interaction between CDP-6-deoxy-L-threo-D-glycero-4-hexulose 3-dehydrase (E1) and its reductase (E3)

CDP-6-deoxy-L-threo-D-glycero-4-hexulose 3-dehydrase (E1), together with its reductase (E3), catalyzes a novel deoxygenation reaction essential for the biosynthesis of 3,6-dideoxyhexoses. In an attempt to gain evidence substantiating the E1.E3 complex formation as a prerequisite for the C-3 deoxygenation activity, we have carried out experiments to study the interaction between these two proteins. The detection of a new species when a mixture of E1 and E3 was analyzed by size-exclusion chromatography was the initial indication supporting the proposed complex formation. Additional evidence for the expected complex formation was provided by the change of the CD spectrum of E1 upon its coupling with E3. The fact that the catalytic efficiency of this system is limited by the quantity of one enzyme, which becomes catalytically competent only after coupling with the second enzyme, further illustrated the importance of such a complex formation to the deoxygenation activity. By using the two-hybrid system which scores for interactions between two proteins coexpressed in yeast, the E1.E3 complex formation in vivo was also firmly established. These results, when considered with the incompatibility of other electron transfer proteins as replacements for E3 in this electron relay, nicely demonstrated the specificity of the E1-E3 recognition. The apparent dissociation constant of the E1.E3 complex formed in rapid equilibrium was estimated to be 288 +/- 22 nM from the correlation between the initial rate of the overall reaction and the concentration of one protein component, and the stoichiometry between E3 and E1 of this complex was deduced as 1.7. Interestingly, while the conformation of the E1.E3 complex was sensitive to the salt concentration in the buffer, the decrease in the catalytic activity at high ionic strength was most likely due to the retardation of the electron transfer mediated by E3. In conjunction with early mechanistic studies, the present data establish the significance of the E1.E3 complex formation for catalysis and, consequently, corroborate the mechanism proposed for the overall deoxygenation process.

Conformational change of cytochrome P450 1A2 induced by sodium chloride

Recently, it was reported that the activity of rabbit P450 1A2 is markedly increased at elevated sodium phosphate concentration. Here, the possible structural change of rabbit P450 1A2 accompanying the NaCl-induced increase in its enzyme activity is investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and absorption spectroscopy. It was found that NaCl increased alpha-helix content and lowered beta-sheet content of P450 1A2 in the presence as well as in the absence of a phospholipid. Intrinsic fluorescence emissions also increased with increasing NaCl concentration. The low spin iron configuration of P450 1A2 shifted toward the high spin configuration in response to the increased salt concentration. The effect of increased potassium phosphate and NaCl on the P450 1A2 activity was also studied. It was found that the activity increase of rabbit P450 1A2 occurs concomitantly with the conformational change including raised alpha-helix content.

Tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)-mediated photoinduced electron transfer of engineered cytochrome P450 1A2

In this study, it is shown that an electron from photoreduced tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)Ru2+ ion reaches the haem iron of engineered wild-type cytochrome P450 1A2 (P450 1A2) with an electron transfer rate of 6.04 x 10(-3) min(-1). The electron transfer rate, 4.05 x 10(-2) min(-1), of a His163Glu mutant, which has a redox potential 40 mV lower than that of the wild type, is more than sixfold faster than that of the wild type. The photoinduced electron transfer rates of the present system are strongly influenced by detergents, cholic acid and Emulgen 913. We discuss the intermolecular and intramolecular electron transfer mechanism of the P450 1A2 system based on the kinetic data.

Interactions of cytochrome P450 2B4 with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase studied by fluorescent probe

A new method for monitoring the formation of the cytochrome P450 complexes with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (NCPR) is introduced. The method is based on the quenching of fluorescence of NCPR labelled with 7-ethylamino-3-(4'-maleimidilphenyl)-4-methylcoumarin maleimide (CPM). In a monomerized soluble reconstituted system in the absence of phospholipid, cytochrome P450 2B4 and NCPRcpm were shown to form 1:1 complexes with a Kd of 0.038 microM. Formation of the complex follows the kinetics of reversible second order transition with k(on) = 6.5 10(5) M-1 s-1. Application of high hydrostatic pressure induces dissociation of the complex (delta V degrees = -65 mL/mol). Succinylation of the hemoprotein increases the value of Kd to 0.5 microM primarily by decreasing k(on). In contrast to what was shown for intact 2B4, rising pressure does not take apart succinylated hemoprotein and NCPRcpm molecules, but causes some internal transition in their complex that diminishes the quenching. This transition is characterised by a very large volume change (delta V degrees = -155 mL/mol). The following conclusions were drawn: 1) a molecule of 2B4 contains two distinct contact regions involved in the interactions with NCPR. Only one of these regions is polar and highly hydrated in unbound hemoprotein; 2) interactions of the polar regions of 2B4 and NCPR are necessary to bring CPM-labelled cysteine of NCPR in short distance of the heme of 2B4; and 3) some of the lysine residues located in the proximity of the polar binding regions are apparently involved in the formation of the internal salt bridges in the molecule of 2B4.

Role of acidic residues in the interaction of NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase with cytochrome P450 and cytochrome c

Site-directed mutagenesis of the acidic clusters 207Asp-Asp-Asp209 and 213Glu-Glu-Asp215 of NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase demonstrates that both cytochrome c and cytochrome P450 interact with this region; however, the sites and mechanisms of interaction of the two substrates are clearly distinct. Substitutions in the first acidic cluster did not affect cytochrome c or ferricyanide reductase activity, but substitution of asparagine for aspartate at position 208 reduced cytochrome P450-dependent benzphetamine N-demethylase activity by 63% with no effect on KP450m or KNADPHm. Substitutions in the second acidic cluster affected cytochrome c reduction but not benzphetamine N-demethylase or ferricyanide reductase activity. The E213Q enzyme exhibited a 59% reduction in cytochrome c reductase activity and a 47% reduction in KCyt cm under standard conditions (x0.27 M potassium phosphate, pH 7.7), as well as a decreased KCyt cm at every ionic strength and a shift of the salt dependence of cytochrome c reductase activity toward lower ionic strengths. The E214Q substitution did not affect cytochrome c reductase activity under standard conditions, but shifted the salt dependence of cytochrome c reductase activity toward higher ionic strengths. Measurements of the effect of ionic strength on steady-state kinetic properties indicated that increasing ionic strength destabilized the reductase-cytochrome c3+ ground state and reductase-cytochrome c transition state complexes for the wild-type, E213Q, and E214Q enzymes, suggesting the presence of electrostatic interactions involving Glu213 and Glu214 as well as additional residues outside this region. The ionic strength dependence of kcat/KCyt cm for the wild-type and E214Q enzymes is consistent with the presence of charge-pairing interactions in the transition state and removal of a weak ionic interaction in the reductase-cytochrome c transition-state complex by the E214Q substitution. The ionic strength dependence of the E213Q enzyme, however, is not consistent with a simple electrostatic model. Effects of ionic strength on kinetic properties of E213Q suggest that substitution of glutamine stabilizes the reductase-cytochrome c3+ ground-state complex, leading to a net increase in activation energy and decrease in kcat. Glu213 is also involved in a repulsive interaction with cytochrome c3+. Cytochrome c2+ Ki for the wild-type enzyme was 82.4 microM at 118 mM ionic strength and 10.8 microM at 749 mM ionic strength; similar values were observed for the E214Q enzyme. Cytochrome c Ki for the E213Q enzyme was 17.6 microM at 118 mM and 15.7 microM at 749 mM ionic strength, consistent with removal of an electrostatic repulsion between the reductase and cytochrome c2+.

Marked detergents effects on safranine T-mediated photo-induced electron transfer in cytochrome P-450 1A2

Cytochrome P-450 accepts electrons from electron transfer proteins to facilitate monooxidation reactions. It is suggested that basic amino acids such as Lys and Arg on the P-450 molecular surface interact with acidic amino acids such as Glu and Asp of the electron transfer protein. Safranine T is a basic compound which mediates electron transfer with illumination. It was found with flash photolysis that an electron from photo-reduced safranine T quickly reaches the heme iron of cytochrome P-450 1A2 (P-450 1A2). The photo-induced reduction kinetics of P-450 1A2 were analyzed by the Runge-Kutta method on the second order assumption. The electron-transfer rate constant from safranine T to P-450 1A2 was 2.1 x 10(6) M-1s-1. The rate constant was remarkably increased up to 3.1 x 10(8) M-1s-1 by adding cholic acid, while that was drastically reduced down to 3.5 x 10(4) M-1s-1 by adding Emulgen 913. The electron-transfer rate of a His163-Glu mutant, which has a 40 mV lower redox potential than that of the wild type, was the same as that of the wild type in the absence of the detergents, although the reduced fraction of the mutant was 30% lower than that of the wild type. The electron-transfer rate of the mutant also changed significantly by adding the detergents in the same way as the wild type. Based on these results, together with optical absorbance and fluorescence data, we discuss the inter- and intramolecular electron-transfer mechanism of P-450 1A2.