CYP2C76-mediated species difference in drug metabolism: A comparison of pitavastatin metabolism between monkeys and humans

Identification of cytochrome P450 2C18 and 2C76 in tree shrews: P450 2C18 effectively oxidizes typical human P450 2C9/2C19 chiral substrates warfarin and omeprazole with less stereoselectivity

Cytochromes P450 (P450s or CYPs), especially the CYP2C family, are important drug-metabolizing enzymes that play major roles in drug metabolism. Tree shrews, a non-rodent primate-like species, are used in various fields of biomedical research, notably hepatitis virus infection; however, its drug-metabolizing enzymes have not been fully investigated. In this study, tree shrew CYP2C18, CYP2C76a, CYP2C76b, and CYP2C76c cDNAs were identified and contained open reading frames of 489 or 490 amino acids with high sequence identities (70-78 %) to human CYP2Cs. Tree shrew CYP2C76a, CYP2C76b, and CYP2C76c showed higher sequence identities (79-80 %) to cynomolgus CYP2C76 and were not orthologous to any human CYP2C. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that tree shrew CYP2C18 and CYP2C76s were closely related to rat CYP2Cs and cynomolgus CYP2C76, respectively. Tree shrew CYP2C genes formed a gene cluster similar to human CYP2C genes. All four tree shrew CYP2C mRNAs showed predominant expressions in liver, among the tissue types examined; expression of CYP2C18 mRNA was also detected in small intestine. In liver, CYP2C18 mRNA was the most abundant among the tree shrew CYP2C mRNAs. In metabolic assays using human CYP2C substrates, all tree shrew CYP2Cs showed metabolic activities toward diclofenac, R,S-omeprazole, paclitaxel, and R,S-warfarin, with the activity of CYP2C18 exceeding that of the other CYP2Cs. Moreover, tree shrew CYP2C76 enzymes metabolized progesterone more efficiently than human, cynomolgus, or marmoset CYP2Cs. Therefore, these novel tree shrew CYP2Cs are expressed abundantly in liver, encode functional enzymes that metabolize human CYP2C substrates, and are likely responsible for drug clearances.

A variety of cytochrome P450 enzymes and flavin-containing monooxygenases in dogs and pigs commonly used as preclinical animal models

Drug oxygenation is mainly mediated by cytochromes P450 (P450s, CYPs) and flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs). Polymorphic variants of P450s and FMOs are known to influence drug metabolism.　Species differences exist in terms of drug metabolism and can be important when determining the contributions of individual enzymes. The success of research into drug-metabolizing enzymes and their impacts on drug discovery and development has been remarkable. Dogs and pigs are often used as preclinical animal models. This research update provides information on P450 and FMO enzymes in dogs and pigs and makes comparisons with their human enzymes. Newly identified dog CYP3A98, a testosterone 6β- and estradiol 16α-hydroxylase, is abundantly expressed in small intestine and is likely the major CYP3A enzyme in small intestine, whereas dog CYP3A12 is the major CYP3A enzyme in liver. The roles of recently identified dog CYP2J2 and pig CYP2J33/34/35 were investigated. FMOs have been characterized in humans and several other species including dogs and pigs. P450 and FMO family members have been characterized also in cynomolgus macaques and common marmosets. P450s have industrial applications and have been the focus of attention of many pharmaceutical companies. The techniques used to investigate the roles of P450/FMO enzymes in drug oxidation and clinical treatments have not yet reached maturity and require further development. The findings summarized here provide a foundation for understanding individual pharmacokinetic and toxicological results in dogs and pigs as preclinical models and will help to further support understanding of the molecular mechanisms of human P450/FMO functionality.

Bioengineered human gut-on-a-chip for advancing non-clinical pharmaco-toxicology

INTRODUCTION

There is a growing need for alternative models to advance current non-clinical experimental models because they often fail to accurately predict drug responses in human clinical trials. Human organ-on-a-chip models have emerged as promising approaches for advancing the predictability of drug behaviors and responses.

AREAS COVERED

We summarize up-to-date human gut-on-a-chip models designed to demonstrate intricate interactions involving the host, microbiome, and pharmaceutical compounds since these models have been reported a decade ago. This overview covers recent advances in gut-on-a-chip models as a bridge technology between non-clinical and clinical assessments of drug toxicity and metabolism. We highlight the promising potential of gut-on-a-chip platforms, offering a reliable and valid framework for investigating reciprocal crosstalk between the host, gut microbiome, and drug compounds.

EXPERT OPINION

Gut-on-a-chip platforms can attract multiple end users as predictive, human-relevant, and non-clinical model. Notably, gut-on-a-chip platforms provide a unique opportunity to recreate a human intestinal microenvironment, including dynamic bowel movement, luminal flow, oxygen gradient, host-microbiome interactions, and disease-specific manipulations restricted in animal and in vitro cell culture models. Additionally, given the profound impact of the gut microbiome on pharmacological bioprocess, it is critical to leverage breakthroughs of gut-on-a-chip technology to address knowledge gaps and drive innovations in predictive drug toxicology and metabolism.

Novel Cytochrome P450 2C119 Enzymes in Cynomolgus and Rhesus Macaques Metabolize Progesterone, Diclofenac, and Omeprazole

Cynomolgus and rhesus macaques are used in drug metabolism studies due to their evolutionary and phylogenetic closeness to humans. Cytochromes P450 (P450s or CYPs), including the CYP2C family enzyme, are important endogenous and exogenous substrate-metabolizing enzymes and play major roles in drug metabolism. In cynomolgus and rhesus macaques, six CYP2Cs have been identified and characterized, namely, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C18, CYP2C19, CYP2C76, and CYP2C93. In this study, CYP2C119, a new CYP2C, was identified and characterized in cynomolgus and rhesus macaques. Cynomolgus and rhesus CYP2C119 contained open reading frames of 489 amino acids with high sequence identities to human CYP2C8 and to cynomolgus and rhesus CYP2C8. Phylogenetic analysis showed that cynomolgus and rhesus CYP2C119 were closely related to cynomolgus and rhesus CYP2C8. In cynomolgus and rhesus genomes, CYP2C genes, including CYP2C119, form a cluster. Among the tissues analyzed, cynomolgus CYP2C119 mRNA was predominantly expressed in liver. Hepatic expressions of CYP2C119 mRNA in four cynomolgus and two rhesus macaques varied, with no expression in one rhesus macaque. Among the CYP2C mRNAs, CYP2C119 mRNA was expressed less abundantly than CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2C76 mRNAs but more abundantly than CYP2C18 mRNA. Recombinant cynomolgus and rhesus CYP2C119 catalyzed progesterone 16α-, 17α-, and 21-hydroxylation and diclofenac and omeprazole oxidations, indicating that CYP2C119 is a functional enzyme. Therefore, the novel CYP2C119 gene, expressed in macaque liver, encodes a functional enzyme that metabolizes human CYP2C substrates and is likely responsible for drug clearances. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Cytochrome P450 2C119 was found in cynomolgus and rhesus macaques, in addition to the known P450 2C8, 2C9, 2C18, 2C19, 2C76, and 2C93. Cynomolgus and rhesus CYP2C119 contain open reading frames of 489 amino acids with high sequence identity to human CYP2C8. Cynomolgus CYP2C119 mRNA is predominantly expressed in the liver. Recombinant CYP2C119 catalyzed progesterone hydroxylation and diclofenac and omeprazole oxidations. Therefore, the novel CYP2C119 gene expressed in the macaque liver encodes a functional enzyme that metabolizes human CYP2C substrates.

Polymorphic cytochromes P450 in non-human primates

Cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis, an Old World monkey) are widely used in drug development because of their genetic and physiological similarities to humans, and this trend has continued with the use of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus, a New World monkey). Information on the major drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP, P450) enzymes of these primate species indicates that multiple forms of their P450 enzymes have generally similar substrate selectivities to those of human P450 enzymes; however, some differences in isoform, activity, and substrate specificity account for limited species differences in drug oxidative metabolism. This review provides information on the P450 enzymes of cynomolgus macaques and marmosets, including cDNA, tissue expression, substrate specificity, and genetic variants, along with age differences and induction. Typical examples of important P450s to be considered in drug metabolism studies include cynomolgus CYP2C19, which is expressed abundantly in liver and metabolizes numerous drugs. Moreover, genetic variants of cynomolgus CYP2C19 affect the individual pharmacokinetic data of drugs such as R-warfarin. These findings provide a foundation for understanding each P450 enzyme and the individual pharmacokinetic and toxicological results in cynomolgus macaques and marmosets as preclinical models. In addition, the effects of induction on some drug clearances mediated by P450 enzymes are also described. In summary, this review describes genetic and acquired individual differences in cynomolgus and marmoset P450 enzymes involved in drug oxidation that may be associated with pharmacological and/or toxicological effects.

Molecular characterization of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases 3A and 8A in cynomolgus macaques

UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) are drug-metabolizing enzymes essential for the metabolism of endogenous substrates and xenobiotics. The cynomolgus macaque is a nonhuman primate species widely used in drug metabolism studies. The molecular characteristics of UGTs have been extensively investigated in humans, but they remain to be elucidated in cynomolgus macaques. In this study, cynomolgus macaque UGT3A1, UGT3A2, and UGT8A1 cDNAs were isolated and characterized. Amino acid sequences deduced from cynomolgus UGT3A1, UGT3A2, and UGT8A1 cDNAs were highly identical with their human orthologs (93, 96, and 99%, respectively) and were closely clustered in a phylogenetic tree. In the genome, cynomolgus UGT3A and UGT8A genes were located in the regions corresponding to those of their human orthologs. Among the 10 tissue types analyzed, expression of cynomolgus UGT3A1 and UGT3A2 mRNAs was detected in liver, kidney, and testis; the UGT3A1 and UGT3A2 mRNAs were most abundant in liver and testis, respectively. Cynomolgus UGT8A1 was most abundantly expressed in kidney, followed by brain, jejunum, and testis. These results suggest that cynomolgus UGT3As and UGT8A1 have molecular similarities to their human orthologs.

Development of genotyping method for functionally relevant variants of cytochromes P450 in cynomolgus macaques

In cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis), widely used in drug metabolism studies, CYP2C9, CYP2C76, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5, important drug-metabolizing enzymes, are abundantly expressed in liver and metabolize cytochrome P450 substrates. CYP2C9 (c.334A>C), CYP2C76 (c.449TG>A), CYP2D6 (c.891A>G), CYP3A4 (IVS3 + 1G>del), and CYP3A5 (c.625A>T) substantially influence metabolic activity of enzymes, and thus are important variants in drug metabolism studies. In this study, a real-time PCR method was developed for genotyping these variants. The validity of the methods was verified by genotyping two wild type, two heterozygous, and two homozygous DNAs and was used to genotype 41 cynomolgus macaques (from Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, or Vietnam) for the five variants, along with another important variant CYP2C19 (c.308C>T). The CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 variants were found only in Cambodian and Vietnamese animals, while the CYP2C76 and CYP2D6 variants were found only in Indonesian and Philippine animals. The CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 variants were not found in any of the animals analyzed. Mauritian animals, genotyped using next-generation sequencing data for comparison, possessed the CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 variants, but not the other variants. These results indicated differences in prevalence of these important variants among animal groups. Therefore, the genotyping tool developed is useful for drug metabolism studies using cynomolgus macaques.

CYP2C76 deficiency is embryonic lethal in cynomolgus macaques: The potential role of CYP2C76 in early embryogenesis

Cynomolgus macaques are an important primate species for drug metabolism studies; however cynomolgus CYP2C76, an important drug-metabolizing enzyme, accounts for drug metabolism differences to humans, so that CYP2C76-null animals might show drug-metabolizing properties more similar to humans. In this study, attempts were made to produce CYP2C76-null animals by assisted reproduction technology. Oocytes and sperm collected from the heterozygotes for the null allele (c.449TG > A) were subjected to intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and the embryos produced were cultured in vitro through the blastocyst stage. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis using a biopsied portion of the blastocyst revealed that none of the 32 blastocysts analyzed were homozygotes. In contrast, 2 of the 20 embryos analyzed were homozygotes at the 8-cell stage, indicating that CYP2C76-null embryos most likely stop developing between the 8-cell and blastocyst stage. By polymerase chain reaction, expression of CYP2C76 mRNA was detected in oocytes and blastocysts, but not in 2-, 4-, 8-, or 16/32-cell stage embryos. Metabolic assays showed that CYP2C76 metabolized progesterone. These results indicated that CYP2C76 null was likely embryonic lethal, suggesting its potential role during early embryogenesis in cynomolgus macaques.

Development of a genotyping tool for a functionally relevant CYP2C19 allele (Phe100Asn, Ala103Val and Ile112Leu) in cynomolgus macaques

In cynomolgus macaques, which are widely used in drug metabolism studies, CYP2C19 (formerly known as CYP2C75) is abundantly expressed in liver, metabolizes human CYP2C substrates and is thus an important drug-metabolizing enzyme. One of the cynomolgus CYP2C19 alleles (p.Phe100Asn, p.Ala103Val and p.Ile112Leu) results in substantially reduced metabolic activity and thus is an important allele in drug metabolism studies. For this allele, a genotyping tool was developed using allele-specific TaqMan probe. Genotyping 40 Cambodian cynomolgus macaques using this tool found 1 homozygote, 17 heterozygotes and 22 wild type animals, and the result was confirmed by direct-sequencing. Interestingly, this allele frequency was similar to that of Chinese cynomolgus macaques. The genotyping tool established is useful for drug metabolism studies using cynomolgus macaques.

Evaluation of 89 compounds for identification of substrates for cynomolgus monkey CYP2C76, a new bupropion/nifedipine oxidase

Cynomolgus monkeys are widely used in preclinical studies during drug development because of their evolutionary closeness to humans, including their cytochrome P450s (P450s). Most cynomolgus monkey P450s are almost identical (≥90%) to human P450s; however, CYP2C76 has low sequence identity (approximately 80%) to any human CYP2Cs. Although CYP2C76 has no ortholog in humans and is partly responsible for species differences in drug metabolism between cynomolgus monkeys and humans, a broad evaluation of potential substrates for CYP2C76 has not yet been conducted. In this study, a screening of 89 marketed compounds, including human CYP2C and non-CYP2C substrates or inhibitors, was conducted to find potential CYP2C76 substrates. Among the compounds screened, 19 chemicals were identified as substrates for CYP2C76, including substrates for human CYP1A2 (7-ethoxyresorufin), CYP2B6 (bupropion), CYP2D6 (dextromethorphan), and CYP3A4/5 (dextromethorphan and nifedipine), and inhibitors for CYP2B6 (sertraline, clopidogrel, and ticlopidine), CYP2C8 (quercetin), CYP2C19 (ticlopidine and nootkatone), and CYP3A4/5 (troleandomycin). CYP2C76 metabolized a wide variety of the compounds with diverse structures. Among them, bupropion and nifedipine showed high selectivity to CYP2C76. As for nifedipine, CYP2C76 formed methylhydroxylated nifedipine, which was not produced by monkey CYP2C9, CYP2C19, or CYP3A4, as identified by mass spectrometry and estimated by a molecular docking simulation. This unique oxidative metabolite formation of nifedipine could be one of the selective marker reactions of CYP2C76 among the major CYP2Cs and CYP3As tested. These results suggest that monkey CYP2C76 contributes to bupropion hydroxylation and formation of different nifedipine oxidative metabolites as a result of its relatively large substrate cavity.

Comparison of minipig, dog, monkey and human drug metabolism and disposition

INTRODUCTION

This article gives an overview of the drug metabolism and disposition (ADME) characteristics of the most common non-rodent species used in toxicity testing of drugs (minipigs, dogs, and monkeys) and compares these to human characteristics with regard to enzymes mediating the metabolism of drugs and the transport proteins which contribute to the absorption, distribution and excretion of drugs.

METHODS

Literature on ADME and regulatory guidelines of relevance in drug development of small molecules has been gathered.

RESULTS

Non-human primates (monkeys) are the species that is closest to humans in terms of genetic homology. Dogs have an advantage due to the ready availability of comprehensive background data for toxicological safety assessment and dogs are easy to handle. Pigs have been used less than dogs and monkeys as a model in safety assessment of drug candidates. However, when a drug candidate is metabolised by aldehyde oxidase (AOX1), N-acetyltransferases (NAT1 and NAT2) or cytochrome (CYP2C9-like) enzymes which are not expressed in dogs, but are present in pigs, this species may be a better choice than dogs, provided that adequate exposure can be obtained in pigs. Conversely, pigs might not be the right choice if sulfation, involving 3-phospho-adenosyl-5-phosphosulphate sulphotransferase (PAPS) is an important pathway in the human metabolism of a drug candidate.

DISCUSSION

In general, the species selection should be based on comparison between in vitro studies with human cell-based systems and animal-cell-based systems. Results from pharmacokinetic studies are also important for decision-making by establishing the obtainable exposure level in the species. Access to genetically humanized mouse models and highly sensitive analytical methods (accelerator mass spectrometry) makes it possible to improve the chance of finding all metabolites relevant for humans before clinical trials have been initiated and, if necessary, to include another animal species before long term toxicity studies are initiated. In conclusion, safety testing can be optimized by applying knowledge about species ADME differences and utilising advanced analytical techniques.

Pitavastatin as an in vivo probe for studying hepatic organic anion transporting polypeptide-mediated drug-drug interactions in cynomolgus monkeys

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) caused by the inhibition of hepatic uptake transporters such as organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) can affect therapeutic efficacy and cause adverse reactions. We investigated the potential utility of pitavastatin as an in vivo probe substrate for preclinically studying OATP-mediated DDIs using cynomolgus monkeys. Cyclosporine A (CsA) and rifampicin (RIF), typical OATP inhibitors, inhibited active uptake of pitavastatin into monkey hepatocytes with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values comparable with those in human hepatocytes. CsA and RIF increased the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of intravenously administered pitavastatin in cynomolgus monkeys by 3.2- and 3.6-fold, respectively. In addition, there was no apparent prolongation of the elimination half-life of pitavastatin due to the decrease in both hepatic clearance and volume of distribution. These findings suggest that DDIs were caused by the inhibition of hepatic uptake of pitavastatin. CsA and RIF increased the AUC of orally administered pitavastatin by 10.6- and 14.8-fold, respectively, which was additionally caused by the effect of the CsA and RIF in the gastrointestinal tract. Hepatic contribution to the overall DDI for oral pitavastatin with CsA was calculated from the changes in hepatic availability and clearance, and it was shown that the magnitude of hepatic DDI was comparable between the present study and the clinical study. In conclusion, pharmacokinetic studies using pitavastatin as a probe in combination with drug candidates in cynomolgus monkeys are useful to support the assessment of potential clinical DDIs involving hepatic uptake transporters.

Monkey liver cytochrome P450 2C9 is involved in caffeine 7-N-demethylation to form theophylline

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a phenotyping substrate for human cytochrome P450 1A2. 3-N-Demethylation of caffeine is the main human metabolic pathway, whereas monkeys extensively mediate the 7-N-demethylation of caffeine to form pharmacological active theophylline. Roles of monkey P450 enzymes in theophylline formation from caffeine were investigated using individual monkey liver microsomes and 14 recombinantly expressed monkey P450 enzymes, and the results were compared with those for human P450 enzymes. Caffeine 7-N-demethylation activity in microsomes from 20 monkey livers was not strongly inhibited by α-naphthoflavone, quinidine or ketoconazole, and was roughly correlated with diclofenac 4'-hydroxylation activities. Monkey P450 2C9 had the highest activity for caffeine 7-N-demethylation. Kinetic analysis revealed that monkey P450 2C9 had a high Vmax/Km value for caffeine 7-N-demethylation, comparable to low Km value for monkey liver microsomes. Caffeine could dock favorably with monkey P450 2C9 modeled for 7-N-demethylation and with human P450 1A2 for 3-N-demethylation. The primary metabolite theophylline was oxidized to 8-hydroxytheophylline in similar ways by liver microsomes and by recombinant P450s in both humans and monkeys. These results collectively suggest a high activity for monkey liver P450 2C9 toward caffeine 7-N-demethylation, whereas, in humans, P450 1A2-mediated caffeine 3-N-demethylation is dominant.

Monkey liver cytochrome P450 2C19 is involved in R- and S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation

Cynomolgus monkeys are widely used as primate models in preclinical studies. However, some differences are occasionally seen between monkeys and humans in the activities of cytochrome P450 enzymes. R- and S-warfarin are model substrates for stereoselective oxidation in humans. In this current research, the activities of monkey liver microsomes and 14 recombinantly expressed monkey cytochrome P450 enzymes were analyzed with respect to R- and S-warfarin 6- and 7-hydroxylation. Monkey liver microsomes efficiently mediated both R- and S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation, in contrast to human liver microsomes, which preferentially catalyzed S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation. R-Warfarin 7-hydroxylation activities in monkey liver microsomes were not inhibited by α-naphthoflavone or ketoconazole, and were roughly correlated with P450 2C19 levels and flurbiprofen 4-hydroxylation activities in microsomes from 20 monkey livers. In contrast, S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation activities were not correlated with the four marker drug oxidation activities used. Among the 14 recombinantly expressed monkey P450 enzymes tested, P450 2C19 had the highest activities for R- and S-warfarin 7-hydroxylations. Monkey P450 3A4 and 3A5 slowly mediated R- and S-warfarin 6-hydroxylations. Kinetic analysis revealed that monkey P450 2C19 had high V(max) and low K(m) values for R-warfarin 7-hydroxylation, comparable to those for monkey liver microsomes. Monkey P450 2C19 also mediated S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation with V(max) and V(max)/K(m) values comparable to those for recombinant human P450 2C9. R-warfarin could dock favorably into monkey P450 2C19 modeled. These results collectively suggest high activities for monkey liver P450 2C19 toward R- and S-warfarin 6- and 7-hydroxylation in contrast to the saturation kinetics of human P450 2C9-mediated S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation.

Immunochemical detection of cytochrome P450 enzymes in liver microsomes of 27 cynomolgus monkeys

The cynomolgus monkey is widely used as a primate model in preclinical studies because of its evolutionary closeness to humans. Despite their importance in drug metabolism, the content of each cytochrome P450 (P450) enzyme has not been systematically determined in cynomolgus monkey livers. In this study, liver microsomes of 27 cynomolgus monkeys were analyzed by immunoblotting using selective P450 antibodies. The specificity of each antibody was confirmed by analyzing the cross-reactivity against 19 CYP1-3 subfamily enzymes using recombinant proteins. CYP2A, CYP2B6, CYP2C9/19, CYP2C76, CYP2D, CYP2E, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 were detected in all 27 animals. In contrast, CYP1A, CYP1D, and CYP2J were below detectable levels in all liver samples. The average content of each P450 showed that among the P450s analyzed CYP3A (3A4 and 3A5) was the most abundant (40% of total immunoquantified P450), followed by CYP2A (25%), CYP2C (14%), CYP2B6 (13%), CYP2E1 (11%), and CYP2D (3%). No apparent sex differences were found for any P450. Interanimal variations ranged from 2.6-fold (CYP3A) to 11-fold (CYP2C9/19), and most P450s (CYP2A, CYP2D, CYP2E, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5) varied 3- to 4-fold. To examine the correlations of P450 content with enzyme activities, metabolic assays were performed in 27 cynomolgus monkey livers using 7-ethoxyresorufin, coumarin, pentoxyresorufin, flurbiprofen, bufuralol, dextromethorphan, and midazolam. CYP2D and CYP3A4 contents were significantly correlated with typical reactions of human CYP2D (bufuralol 1'-hydroxylation and dextromethorphan O-deethylation) and CYP3A (midazolam 1'-hydroxylation and 4-hydroxylation). The results presented in this study provide useful information for drug metabolism studies using cynomolgus monkeys.

Newly identified CYP2C93 is a functional enzyme in rhesus monkey, but not in cynomolgus monkey

Cynomolgus monkey and rhesus monkey are used in drug metabolism studies due to their evolutionary closeness and physiological resemblance to human. In cynomolgus monkey, we previously identified cytochrome P450 (P450 or CYP) 2C76 that does not have a human ortholog and is partly responsible for species differences in drug metabolism between cynomolgus monkey and human. In this study, we report characterization of CYP2C93 cDNA newly identified in cynomolgus monkey and rhesus monkey. The CYP2C93 cDNA contained an open reading frame of 490 amino acids approximately 84–86% identical to human CYP2Cs. CYP2C93 was located in the genomic region, which corresponded to the intergenic region in the human genome, indicating that CYP2C93 does not correspond to any human genes. CYP2C93 mRNA was expressed predominantly in the liver among 10 tissues analyzed. The CYP2C93 proteins heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli metabolized human CYP2C substrates, diclofenac, flurbiprofen, paclitaxel, S-mephenytoin, and tolbutamide. In addition to a normal transcript (SV1), an aberrantly spliced transcript (SV2) lacking exon 2 was identified, which did not give rise to a functional protein due to frameshift and a premature termination codon. Mini gene assay revealed that the genetic variant IVS2-1G>T at the splice site of intron 1, at least partly, accounted for the exon-2 skipping; therefore, this genotype would influence CYP2C93-mediated drug metabolism. SV1 was expressed in 6 of 11 rhesus monkeys and 1 of 8 cynomolgus monkeys, but the SV1 in the cynomolgus monkey was nonfunctional due to a rare null genotype (c.102T>del). These results suggest that CYP2C93 can play roles as a drug-metabolizing enzyme in rhesus monkeys (not in cynomolgus monkeys), although its relative contribution to drug metabolism has yet to be validated.

Regional distribution of drug-metabolizing enzyme activities in the liver and small intestine of cynomolgus monkeys

The cynomolgus monkey is an animal species widely used to study drug metabolism because of its evolutionary closeness to humans. However, drug-metabolizing enzyme activities have not been compared in various parts of the liver and small intestine in cynomolgus monkeys. In this study, therefore, drug-metabolizing enzyme activities were analyzed in the liver (the five lobes) and small intestine (six sections from the duodenum to the distal ileum). 7-Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation, coumarin 7-hydroxylation, paclitaxel 6α-hydroxylation, diclofenac 4'-hydroxylation, tolbutamide methylhydroxylation, S-mephenytoin 4'-hydroxylation, bufuralol 1'-hydroxylation, chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation, midazolam 1'-hydroxylation, and testosterone 6β-, 16α-, 16β-, and 2α-hydroxylation were used as the probe reactions for this investigation. In liver, all probe reactions were detected and enzyme activity levels were similar in all lobes, whereas, in the small intestine, all enzyme activities were detected (except for coumarin 7-hydroxylase and testosterone 16α-hydroxylase activity), but from jejunum to ileum there was a decrease in the level of enzyme activity. This includes midazolam 1'-hydroxylation and testosterone 6β-hydroxylation, which are catalyzed by cynomolgus monkey cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4/5, orthologs of human CYP3A4/5, which are important drug-metabolizing enzymes. The data presented in this study are expected to facilitate the use of cynomolgus monkeys in drug metabolism studies.

Cynomolgus monkey CYP2D44 newly identified in liver, metabolizes bufuralol, and dextromethorphan

The cynomolgus monkey is used in drug metabolism studies, because of its evolutionary closeness to human, including cytochrome P450. Cynomolgus monkey CYP2D17, highly homologous to human CYP2D6, has been identified and characterized. Here, we report characterization of another CYP2D, CYP2D44, identified in cynomolgus monkey liver. The CYP2D44 cDNA contained an open reading frame of 497 amino acids sharing high sequence identity (87-93%) with other primate CYP2Ds. CYP2D44 mRNA was predominantly expressed in liver, similar to CYP2D17 mRNA. CYP2D17 and CYP2D44 form a gene cluster in the genome, similar to human CYP2Ds. Metabolic assays of the CYP2D17 and CYP2D44 proteins heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli indicated that CYP2D44 metabolized human CYP2D6 substrates, bufuralol and dextromethorphan (bufuralol 1'-hydroxylation and dextromethorphan O-demethylation) but to a lesser extent than CYP2D17. Kinetic analysis of dextromethorphan metabolism indicated that the apparent K(m) and V(max) of CYP2D17 and CYP2D44 catalyzed O-demethylation were similar, and, the V(max) values of CYP2D17 and CYP2D44 catalyzed N-demethylation (which human CYP2D6 catalyzes much less effectively) were similar, but the apparent K(m) of the CYP2D44 reaction was higher. Western blot analysis showed that CYP2D proteins were expressed in cynomolgus and rhesus monkey liver as well as in human and marmoset liver. Similar to CYP2D6, CYP2D44 copy number varied among the eight cynomolgus monkeys and four rhesus monkeys used in this study. These results indicated that CYP2D44, together with CYP2D17, had functional characteristics similar to those of human CYP2D6 but measurably differed in dextromethorphan N-demethylation, suggesting its importance for CYP2D-dependent drug metabolism in macaque.

Cynomolgus monkey CYPs: a comparison with human CYPs

Characteristics of twelve cytochromes P450 (CYPs) from cynomolgus monkeys were compared with those of human CYPs that play an important role in drug metabolism. Eleven members of CYP1A, CYP2A, CYP2C, CYP2D, CYP2E, and CYP3A subfamilies from cynomolgus monkeys exhibited a high degree of homologies (more than 90%) in cDNA and amino acid sequences with corresponding human CYPs, and catalysed typical reactions of corresponding human CYPs. One member of the cynomolgus monkey CYP2C subfamily, CYP2C76, exhibited a lower homology (around 70%) in amino acid sequences with other cynomolgus monkey and human CYP2C subfamilies. CYP2C76 catalysed typical CYP2C substrates with low activities, and has not been found in humans. CYPs identified in cynomolgus monkeys were similar to CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 in humans. These results indicate that cynomolgus monkeys express CYPs similar to human CYPs that are important in drug metabolism.

Sex-related differences in the expression of mfGSTA2, a novel GST identified in cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is one of the most important phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes, catalyzing the conjugation of electrophilic substrates to glutathione. Unlike in humans, a surprisingly limited number of GST genes have been identified in monkeys. The identification of additional GST genes in this model system would prove to be advantageous, because monkeys remain an important predictor of drug effects and toxicities in humans during preclinical studies. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of the following six cDNAs in cynomolgus monkeys: mfGSTA1, mfGSTA2, mfGSTM5, mfMGST1, mfGSTO1, and mfGSTZ1. These cDNAs encode GSTs highly homologous (approximately 95%) to human GST cDNAs. Among these, the mfGSTA1, mfGSTM5, mfMGST1, mfGSTO1, and mfGSTZ1 cDNAs correspond to a single human GST counterpart, whereas the mfGSTA2 cDNA is highly similar to human GSTA1 and GSTA2 cDNAs. An analysis of tissue samples indicates that these GST genes are predominantly expressed in the liver along with some extrahepatic expression as determined by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. It is interesting to note that mfGSTA2 is significantly differentially expressed between males and females in the jejunum, where a striking 8-fold higher expression level is observed in males. These results suggest that a potential sex difference in the metabolism of drugs may be mediated by mfGSTA2. This also provides a basis for the investigation of sex-dependent drug metabolism in monkeys.

A null allele impairs function of CYP2C76 gene in cynomolgus monkeys: a possible genetic tool for generation of a better animal model in drug metabolism

The monkey CYP2C76 gene does not correspond to any of the human CYP2C genes, and its enzyme is at least partly responsible for the species difference occasionally seen in drug metabolism between monkeys and humans. To establish a line and/or lines of monkeys that are expected to show metabolic patterns highly similar to humans, we set out to find monkeys that lacked CYP2C76 activity. By genetic screening of 73 monkeys and a database search of expressed sequence tags, we found a total of 10 nonsynonymous genetic variants in the coding region of CYP2C76, including a null genotype (c.449TG>A). Some of the variants were differently distributed between two animal groups originating from different geographical regions (Indochina and Indonesia). After screening 170 additional genomic samples, we identified a total of eight animals (six males and two females) that were heterozygous for c.449TG>A, which could be used for establishing a homozygous line. If the homozygotes show drug-metabolizing properties more similar to humans than wild-type monkeys, the homozygotes may serve as a better animal model for drug metabolism. The data presented in this article provide the essential genetic information to perform a successful study by using cynomolgus monkeys and present a possible tool to generate a better animal model for drug metabolism.

Expressed sequence tags from cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) liver: a systematic identification of drug-metabolizing enzymes

The liver, a major organ for drug metabolism, is physiologically similar between monkeys and humans. However, the paucity of identified genes has hampered a deep understanding of drug metabolism in monkeys. To provide such a genetic resource, 28655 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were generated from a cynomolgus monkey liver full-length enriched cDNA library, which contained 23 unique ESTs homologous to human drug-metabolizing enzymes. Our comparative genomics approach identified nine lineage-specific candidate ESTs, including three drug-metabolizing enzymes, which could be important for understanding the physiological differences between monkeys and humans.

Characterization of cynomolgus monkey cytochrome P450 (CYP) cDNAs: Is CYP2C76 the only monkey-specific CYP gene responsible for species differences in drug metabolism?

Cynomolgus monkey CYP2C76 does not have a corresponding ortholog in humans, and it is at least partly responsible for differences in drug metabolism between monkeys and humans. To determine if CYP2C76 is the only monkey-specific CYP gene, we identified cynomolgus monkey cDNAs for CYP2A23, CYP2A24, CYP2E1, CYP2J2, CYP3A5, CYP3A8, CYP4A11, CYP4F3, CYP4F11, CYP4F12, and CYP4F45. These CYP cDNAs showed a high sequence identity (93-96%) to the homologous human CYP cDNAs. The monkey CYPs were preferentially expressed in liver among the analyzed tissues. Moreover, all five analyzed monkey CYPs (CYP2A23, CYP2A24, CYP2E1, CYP3A5, and CYP3A8) metabolized typical substrates for human CYPs in the corresponding subfamilies. These results suggest that these 11 monkey CYP cDNAs are closely related to the human CYP cDNAs and thus, unlike CYP2C76, are not apparent monkey-specific cDNAs.