CYP2C9-CYP3A4 protein-protein interactions: role of the hydrophobic N terminus

The Influence of Lipid Microdomain Heterogeneity on Protein-Protein Interactions: Proteomic Analysis of Co-Immunoprecipitated Binding Partners of P450 1A2 and P450 3A in Rat Liver Microsomes

Liver cytochrome P450s (CYPs) of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are involved in the metabolism of exogenous and endogenous chemicals. The ER is not uniform, but possesses ordered lipid microdomains containing higher levels of saturated fatty acids, sphingomyelin, and cholesterol and disordered regions containing higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid chains. The various forms of drug-metabolizing P450s partition to either the ordered or disordered lipid microdomains with different degrees of specificity. P450s readily form complexes with ER-resident proteins, including other forms of P450. This study aims to ascertain whether lipid microdomain localization influences protein-P450 interactions in rat liver microsomes. Thus, liver microsomes were co-immunoprecipitated with CYP1A2-specific and CYP3A-specific antibodies, and the co-immunoprecipitating proteins were identified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry proteomic analysis. These two P450s preferentially partition to ordered and disordered microdomains, respectively. More than 100 proteins were co-immunoprecipitated with each P450. Segregation of proteins into different microdomains did not preclude their interaction. However, CYP3A interacted broadly with proteins from ordered microdomains, whereas CYP1A2 reacted with a limited subset of these proteins. This is consistent with the concept of lipid raft heterogeneity and may indicate that CYP1A2 is targeted to a specific type of lipid raft. Although many of the interacting proteins for both P450s were other-drug metabolizing enzymes, other interactions were also evident. The consistent CYP3A binding partners were predominantly involved in phase I/II drug metabolism; however, CYP1A2 interacted not only with xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, but also with enzymes involved in diverse cellular responses such as ER stress and protein folding. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This work describes the protein interactomes in rat liver microsomes of two important cytochromes P450s (CYP1A2 and CYP3A) in drug metabolism and describes the relationship of the interacting proteins to lipid microdomain distribution.

Predicting changes in the pharmacokinetics of CYP3A-metabolized drugs in hepatic impairment and insights into factors driving these changes

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models, populated with drug-metabolizing enzyme and transporter (DMET) abundance, can be used to predict the impact of hepatic impairment (HI) on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of drugs. To increase confidence in the predictive power of such models, they must be validated by comparing the predicted and observed PK of drugs in HI obtained by phenotyping (or probe drug) studies. Therefore, we first predicted the effect of all stages of HI (mild to severe) on the PK of drugs primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A enzymes using the default HI module of Simcyp Version 21, populated with hepatic and intestinal CYP3A abundance data. Then, we validated the predictions using CYP3A probe drug phenotyping studies conducted in HI. Seven CYP3A substrates, metabolized primarily via CYP3A (fraction metabolized, 0.7-0.95), with low to high hepatic availability, were studied. For all stages of HI, the predicted PK parameters of drugs were within twofold of the observed data. This successful validation increases confidence in using the DMET abundance data in HI to predict the changes in the PK of drugs cleared by DMET for which phenotyping studies in HI are not available or cannot be conducted. In addition, using CYP3A drugs as an example, through simulations, we identified the salient PK factors that drive the major changes in exposure (area under the plasma concentration-time profile curve) to drugs in HI. This theoretical framework can be applied to any drug and DMET to quickly determine the likely magnitude of change in drug PK due to HI.

Modulating effect of Cu(II) complexes with enamine and tetrazole derivatives on CYP2C and CYP3A and their cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties in HepG2 spheroids

CYP2C and CYP3A cytochromes are induced by a variety of compounds and affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a large number of drugs. Currently, the possibility of using copper coordination compounds in antitumor therapy is being actively studied. Evaluation of potential interactions between new molecules and P450 cytochromes is necessary at an early stage of drug design.The aim. To study the modulating effect of Cu(II) complexes with enamine and tetrazole derivatives on CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 and their cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties on normal human lung fibroblasts MRC-5 and a 3D model of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2.Materials and methods. Cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities of copper(II) complexes – [CuL2] (1), [Cu2(bipy)2(PT)4] (2), [Cu2(phen)2(PT)4] (3), {[Cu(phen)(MT)2]∙H2O}n (4) (L – anion of 2-anilinomethylidene-5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione; PT – 5-phenyltetrazolate anion; MT – 5-methyltetrazolate anion; bipy – 2,2’-bipyridine; phen – 1,10-phenanthroline) – were examined in 2D and 3D models using fluorescence-based phenotypic screening. The modulating effect on CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 was studied using fluorescence-based targeted screening. The results of CYP3A4 expression were confirmed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results. Complex (1) increases the CYP3A4 expression and does not affect CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 expression. Complex (2) has no modulating effect on CYP2C and CYP3A. Complexes with 1,10-phenatrolin (3) and (4) induce CYP3A4, inhibit CYP2C9 and do not affect CYP2C19 expression. All compounds have a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on HepG2 and MRC-5: the compound with 5-methyltetrazolate anion (4) has the same effect on cell lines, compounds with 5-phenyltetrazolate anion (2) and (3) have selective effect. Complexes with 1,10-phenatrolin are effective on both 2D and 3D models.Conclusion. The [Cu2(phen)2(FT)4] complex (3) can be used as a basis for creating an antitumor compound, but further modification of the structure is required to increase the selectivity to tumor cells.

Functional Interaction between Cytochrome P450 and UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase on the Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane: One of Post-translational Factors Which Possibly Contributes to Their Inter-Individual Differences

Cytochrome P450 (P450) and uridine 5'-diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) catalyze oxidation and glucuronidation in drug metabolism, respectively. It is believed that P450 and UGT work separately because they perform distinct reactions and exhibit opposite membrane topologies on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, given that some chemicals are sequentially metabolized by P450 and UGT, it is reasonable to consider that the enzymes may interact and work cooperatively. Previous research by our team detected protein-protein interactions between P450 and UGT by analyzing solubilized rat liver microsomes with P450-immobilized affinity column chromatography. Although P450 and UGT have been known to form homo- and hetero-oligomers, this is the first report indicating a P450-UGT association. Based on our previous study, we focused on the P450-UGT interaction and reported lines of evidence that the P450-UGT association is a functional protein-protein interaction that can alter the enzymatic capabilities, including enhancement or suppression of the activities of P450 and UGT, helping UGT to acquire novel regioselectivity, and inhibiting substrate binding to P450. Biochemical and molecular bioscientific approaches suggested that P450 and UGT interact with each other at their internal hydrophobic domains in the ER membrane. Furthermore, several in vivo studies have reported the presence of a functional P450-UGT association under physiological conditions. The P450-UGT interaction is expected to function as a novel post-translational factor for inter-individual differences in the drug-metabolizing enzymes.

Probing functional interactions between cytochromes P450 with principal component analysis of substrate saturation profiles and targeted proteomics

We investigated the correspondence between drug metabolism routes and the composition of the P450 ensemble in human liver microsomes (HLM). As a probe, we used Coumarin 152 (C152), a fluorogenic substrate metabolized by multiple P450 species. Studying the substrate-saturation profiles (SSP) in seven pooled HLM preparations, we sought to correlate them with the P450 pool's composition characterized by targeted proteomics. This analysis, complemented with the assays with specific inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, the primary C152 metabolizers, demonstrated a significant contrast between different HLM samples. To unveil the source of these differences, we implemented Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the SSP series obtained with HLM samples with a known composition of the P450 pool. Our analysis revealed that the parameters of C152 metabolism are primarily determined by the content of CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2E1, and CYP3A5 of those only CYP2B6 and CYP3A5 can metabolize C152. To validate this finding, we studied the effect of enriching HLM with CYP2A6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A5. The incorporation of CYP3A5 into HLM decreases the rate of C152 metabolism while increasing the role of CYP2B6 in its turnover. In contrast, incorporation of CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 reroutes the C152 demethylation towards some P450 enzyme with a moderate affinity to the substrate, most likely CYP3A4. Our results reveal a sharp non-additivity of the individual P450 properties and suggest a pivotal role of P450-P450 interactions in determining drug metabolism routes. This study demonstrates the high potential of our new PCA-based approach in unveiling functional interrelationships between different P450 species.

Reaction Phenotyping of Low-Turnover Compounds in Long-Term Hepatocyte Cultures Through Persistent Selective Inhibition of Cytochromes P450

Recognizing the challenges of determining the relative contribution of different drug metabolizing enzymes to the metabolism of slowly metabolized compounds, a cytochrome P450 reaction phenotyping (CRP) method using cocultured human hepatocytes (HEPATOPAC) has been established. In this study, the emphasis on the relative contribution of different cytochrome P450 (P450) isoforms was assessed by persistently inhibiting P450 isoforms over 7 days with human HEPATOPAC. P450 isoform-selective inhibition was achieved with the chemical inhibitors furafylline (CYP1A2), tienilic acid (CYP2C9), (+)-N-3-benzylnirvanol (CYP2C19), paroxetine (CYP2D6), azamulin (CYP3A), and a combination of 1-aminobenzotriazole and tienilic acid (broad spectrum inhibition of P450s). We executed this CRP method using HEPATOPAC by optimizing for the choice of P450 inhibitors, their selectivity, and the temporal effect of inhibitor concentrations on maintaining selectivity of inhibition. In general, the established CRP method using potent and selective chemical inhibitors allows to measure the relative contribution of P450s and to calculate the fraction of metabolism (f _m) of low-turnover compounds. Several low-turnover compounds were used to validate this CRP method by determining their hepatic intrinsic clearance and f _m, with comparison with literature values. We established the foundation of a robust CRP for low-turnover compound test system which can be expanded to include inhibition of other drug metabolizing enzymes. This generic CRP assay, using human long-term hepatocyte cultures, will be an essential tool in drug development for new chemical entities in the quantitative assessment of the risk as a victim of drug-drug interactions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: An ongoing trend is to develop drug candidates which have limited metabolic clearance. The current studies report a generic approach to conducting reaction phenotyping studies with human HEPATOPAC, focusing on P450 metabolism of low-turnover compounds. Potent and selective chemical inhibitors were used to assess the relative contribution of the major human P450s. Validation was achieved by confirming hepatic intrinsic clearance and fraction of metabolism for previously reported low-turnover compounds. This approach is adaptable for assessment of all drug metabolizing enzymes.

Identification of the contact region responsible for the formation of the homomeric CYP1A2•CYP1A2 complex

Previous studies showed that cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) forms a homomeric complex that influences its metabolic characteristics. Specifically, CYP1A2 activity exhibits a sigmoidal response as a function of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (POR) concentration and is consistent with an inhibitory CYP1A2•CYP1A2 complex that is disrupted by increasing [POR] (Reed et al. (2012) Biochem. J. 446, 489-497). The goal of this study was to identify the CYP1A2 contact regions involved in homomeric complex formation. Examination of X-ray structure of CYP1A2 implicated the proximal face in homomeric complex formation. Consequently, the involvement of residues L91-K106 (P1 region) located on the proximal face of CYP1A2 was investigated. This region was replaced with the homologous region of CYP2B4 (T81-S96) and the protein was expressed in HEK293T/17 cells. Complex formation and its disruption was observed using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). The P1-CYP1A2 (CYP1A2 with the modified P1 region) exhibited a decreased BRET signal as compared with wild-type CYP1A2 (WT-CYP1A2). On further examination, P1-CYP1A2 was much less effective at disrupting the CYP1A2•CYP1A2 homomeric complex, when compared with WT-CYP1A2, thereby demonstrating impaired binding of P1-CYP1A2 to WT-CYP1A2 protein. In contrast, the P1 substitution did not affect its ability to form a heteromeric complex with CYP2B4. P1-CYP1A2 also showed decreased activity as compared with WT-CYP1A2, which was consistent with a decrease in the ability of P1-CYP1A2 to associate with WT-POR, again implicating the P1 region in POR binding. These results indicate that the contact region responsible for the CYP1A2•CYP1A2 homomeric complex resides in the proximal region of the protein.

Structural and functional analysis of tomato sterol C22 desaturase

BACKGROUND

Sterols are structural and functional components of eukaryotic cell membranes. Plants produce a complex mixture of sterols, among which β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, and cholesterol in some Solanaceae, are the most abundant species. Many reports have shown that the stigmasterol to β-sitosterol ratio changes during plant development and in response to stresses, suggesting that it may play a role in the regulation of these processes. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), changes in the stigmasterol to β-sitosterol ratio correlate with the induction of the only gene encoding sterol C22-desaturase (C22DES), the enzyme specifically involved in the conversion of β-sitosterol to stigmasterol. However, despite the biological interest of this enzyme, there is still a lack of knowledge about several relevant aspects related to its structure and function.

RESULTS

In this study we report the subcellular localization of tomato C22DES in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) based on confocal fluorescence microscopy and cell fractionation analyses. Modeling studies have also revealed that C22DES consists of two well-differentiated domains: a single N-terminal transmembrane-helix domain (TMH) anchored in the ER-membrane and a globular (or catalytic) domain that is oriented towards the cytosol. Although TMH is sufficient for the targeting and retention of the enzyme in the ER, the globular domain may also interact and be retained in the ER in the absence of the N-terminal transmembrane domain. The observation that a truncated version of C22DES lacking the TMH is enzymatically inactive revealed that the N-terminal membrane domain is essential for enzyme activity. The in silico analysis of the TMH region of plant C22DES revealed several structural features that could be involved in substrate recognition and binding.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this study contributes to expand the current knowledge on the structure and function of plant C22DES and to unveil novel aspects related to plant sterol metabolism.

Heteromeric complex formation between human cytochrome P450 CYP1A1 and heme oxygenase-1

P450 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) receive their necessary electrons by interaction with the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (POR). As the POR concentration is limiting when compared with P450 and HO-1, they must effectively compete for POR to function. In addition to these functionally required protein-protein interactions, HO-1 forms homomeric complexes, and several P450s have been shown to form complexes with themselves and with other P450s, raising the question, 'How are the HO-1 and P450 systems organized in the endoplasmic reticulum?' Recently, CYP1A2 was shown to associate with HO-1 affecting the function of both proteins. The goal of this study was to determine if CYP1A1 formed complexes with HO-1 in a similar manner. Complex formation among POR, HO-1, and CYP1A1 was measured using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, with results showing HO-1 and CYP1A1 form a stable complex that was further stabilized in the presence of POR. The POR•CYP1A1 complex was readily disrupted by the addition of HO-1. CYP1A1 also was able to affect the POR•HO-1 complex, although the effect was smaller. This interaction between CYP1A1 and HO-1 also affected function, where the presence of CYP1A1 inhibited HO-1-mediated bilirubin formation by increasing the KmPOR•HO-1 without affecting the Vmaxapp. In like manner, HO-1 inhibited CYP1A1-mediated 7-ethoxyresorufin dealkylation by increasing the KmPOR•CYP1A1. Based on the mathematical simulation, the results could not be explained by a model where CYP1A1 and HO-1 simply compete for POR, and are consistent with the formation of a stable CYP1A1•HO-1 complex that affected the functional characteristics of both moieties.

Heme oxygenase-1 affects cytochrome P450 function through the formation of heteromeric complexes: Interactions between CYP1A2 and heme oxygenase-1

Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and the cytochromes P450 (P450s) are endoplasmic reticulum-bound enzymes that rely on the same protein, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (POR), to provide the electrons necessary for substrate metabolism. Although the HO-1 and P450 systems are interconnected owing to their common electron donor, they generally have been studied separately. As the expressions of both HO-1 and P450s are affected by xenobiotic exposure, changes in HO-1 expression can potentially affect P450 function and, conversely, changes in P450 expression can influence HO-1. The goal of this study was to examine interactions between the P450 and HO-1 systems. Using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), HO-1 formed HO-1•P450 complexes with CYP1A2, CYP1A1, and CYP2D6, but not all P450s. Studies then focused on the HO-1-CYP1A2 interaction. CYP1A2 formed a physical complex with HO-1 that was stable in the presence of POR. As expected, both HO-1 and CYP1A2 formed BRET-detectable complexes with POR. The POR•CYP1A2 complex was readily disrupted by the addition of HO-1, whereas the POR•HO-1 complex was not significantly affected by the addition of CYP1A2. Interestingly, enzyme activities did not follow this pattern. BRET data suggested substantial inhibition of CYP1A2-mediated 7-ethoxyresorufin de-ethylation in the presence of HO-1, whereas its activity was actually stimulated at subsaturating POR. In contrast, HO-1-mediated heme metabolism was inhibited at subsaturating POR. These results indicate that HO-1 and CYP1A2 form a stable complex and have mutual effects on the catalytic behavior of both proteins that cannot be explained by a simple competition for POR.

Characterization of Interactions Among CYP1A2, CYP2B4, and NADPH-cytochrome P450 Reductase: Identification of Specific Protein Complexes

Cytochromes P450s (P450s) catalyze oxygenation reactions via interactions with their redox partners. However, other proteins, particularly other P450s, also have been shown to form complexes that modulate P450 function. Previous studies showed that CYP1A2 and CYP2B4 form a complex when reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles; however, details of the interactions among the P450s and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (POR) have not been fully characterized. The goal of this study was to examine P450 complex formation in living cells, using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). Various pairs of P450 and POR constructs were tagged with either green fluorescent protein or Renilla luciferase, and transfected into human embryonic kidney 293T cells. Complexes were demonstrated by measuring energy transfer between the tags, and disruption of the complex was verified by cotransfection with unlabeled P450-system proteins. CYP1A2 and CYP2B4 formed a stable complex that could not be disrupted by cotransfection of untagged POR. Interactions of both P450s with POR were detected, with untagged CYP1A2 disrupting the POR-CYP2B4 interaction. In contrast, untagged CYP2B4 did not affect the POR-CYP1A2 interaction. These data are consistent with POR preferentially binding to the CYP1A2 moiety of CYP1A2-CYP2B4. BRET-detectable homomeric CYP1A2-CYP1A2 also was detected, and was disrupted by cotransfection of either POR or CYP2B4. Both CYP1A2 and CYP2B4 activities were affected by their coexpression in a manner consistent with formation of the high-affinity POR-CYP1A2-CYP2B4 complex. These findings demonstrate that CYP1A2 and CYP2B4 form a heteromeric POR-CYP1A2-CYP2B4 complex in living cells that has altered catalytic activities relative to the homomeric enzymes.

Toward a systems approach to the human cytochrome P450 ensemble: interactions between CYP2D6 and CYP2E1 and their functional consequences

Functional cross-talk among human drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 through their association is a topic of emerging importance. Here, we studied the interactions of human CYP2D6, a major metabolizer of psychoactive drugs, with one of the most prevalent human P450 enzymes, ethanol-inducible CYP2E1. Detection of P450-P450 interactions was accomplished through luminescence resonance energy transfer between labeled proteins incorporated into human liver microsomes and the microsomes of insect cells containing NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. The potential of CYP2D6 to form oligomers in the microsomal membrane is among the highest observed with human cytochrome P450 studied up to date. We also observed the formation of heteromeric complexes of CYP2D6 with CYP2E1 and CYP3A4, and found a significant modulation of these interactions by 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine, a widespread drug of abuse metabolized by CYP2D6. Our results demonstrate an ample alteration of the catalytic properties of CYP2D6 and CYP2E1 caused by their association. In particular, we demonstrated that preincubation of microsomes containing co-incorporated CYP2D6 and CYP2E1 with CYP2D6-specific substrates resulted in considerable time-dependent activation of CYP2D6, which presumably occurs via a slow substrate-induced reorganization of CYP2E1-CYP2D6 hetero-oligomers. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the formation of heteromeric complexes between CYP2E1 and CYP2D6 affects the stoichiometry of futile cycling and substrate oxidation by CYP2D6 by means of decreasing the electron leakage through the peroxide-generating pathways. Our results further emphasize the role of P450-P450 interactions in regulatory cross-talk in human drug-metabolizing ensemble and suggest a role of interactions of CYP2E1 with CYP2D6 in pharmacologically important instances of alcohol-drug interactions.

The functional effects of physical interactions involving cytochromes P450: putative mechanisms of action and the extent of these effects in biological membranes

Cytochromes P450 represent a family of enzymes, which are responsible for the oxidative metabolism of a wide variety of xenobiotics. Although the mammalian P450s require interactions with their redox partners in order to function, more recently, P450 system proteins have been shown to exist as multi-protein complexes that include the formation of P450•P450 complexes. Evidence has shown that the metabolism of some substrates by a given P450 can be influenced by the specific interaction of the enzyme with other forms of P450. Detailed kinetic analysis of these reactions in vitro has shown that the P450-P450 interactions can alter metabolism by changing the ability of a P450 to bind to its cognate redox partner, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase; by altering substrate binding to the affected P450; and/or by changing the rate of a catalytic step of the reaction cycle. This review summarizes the known examples of P450-P450 interactions that have been shown in vitro to influence metabolism and categorizes them according to the mechanism(s) causing the effects. P450-P450 interactions have the potential to cause major changes in the metabolism and elimination of drugs in vivo. This review summarizes the evidence that the P450-P450 interactions influence metabolism in biological membranes and discusses the studies, which will provide further insight into the extent of these effects in the future.

Considerations from the IQ Induction Working Group in Response to Drug-Drug Interaction Guidance from Regulatory Agencies: Focus on Downregulation, CYP2C Induction, and CYP2B6 Positive Control

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued guidelines for the conduct of drug-drug interaction studies. To examine the applicability of these regulatory recommendations specifically for induction, a group of scientists, under the auspices of the Drug Metabolism Leadership Group of the Innovation and Quality (IQ) Consortium, formed the Induction Working Group (IWG). A team of 19 scientists, from 16 of the 39 pharmaceutical companies that are members of the IQ Consortium and two Contract Research Organizations reviewed the recommendations, focusing initially on the current EMA guidelines. Questions were collated from IQ member companies as to which aspects of the guidelines require further evaluation. The EMA was then approached to provide insights into their recommendations on the following: 1) evaluation of downregulation, 2) in vitro assessment of CYP2C induction, 3) the use of CITCO as the positive control for CYP2B6 induction by CAR, 4) data interpretation (a 2-fold increase in mRNA as evidence of induction), and 5) the duration of incubation of hepatocytes with test article. The IWG conducted an anonymous survey among IQ member companies to query current practices, focusing specifically on the aforementioned key points. Responses were received from 19 companies. All data and information were blinded before being shared with the IWG. The results of the survey are presented, together with consensus recommendations on downregulation, CYP2C induction, and CYP2B6 positive control. Results and recommendations related to data interpretation and induction time course will be reported in subsequent articles.

Clinical Outcomes of Concomitant Use of Warfarin and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: A Multidatabase Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Patients treated with warfarin are often coprescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for coexisting depression. Some SSRIs are potent CYP2C9 inhibitors that may increase warfarin plasma concentrations and the risk of bleeding. We aimed to examine the effect of the putative CYP2C9-mediated warfarin-SSRI interaction on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted an observational cohort study among warfarin initiators who had a subsequent SSRI prescription in 5 US claims databases. Patients were followed for up to 180 days as long as they were exposed to both warfarin and their index SSRI groups. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for bleeding events, ischemic or thromboembolic events, and mortality comparing patients treated with SSRIs that are potent CYP2C9 inhibitors (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine) with those treated with other SSRIs after propensity score matching.

FINDINGS

The eligible cohort comprised 52,129 patients. Hazard ratios were 1.14 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-1.38) for bleeding events, 1.03 (95% CI, 0.87-1.21) for ischemic or thromboembolic events, and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.72-1.14) for mortality. Results were consistent across individual component outcomes, different warfarin stabilization periods, and subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients concomitantly treated with warfarin and SSRIs that are potent CYP2C9 inhibitors had comparable rates of bleeding events, ischemic or thromboembolic events, and mortality as did patients cotreated with warfarin and other SSRIs, although small but potentially meaningful effects on bleeding cannot be completely excluded. SSRI inhibition of CYP2C9 does not appear to affect major safety or effectiveness outcomes of warfarin treatment in clinical practice, where patients may be closely monitored.

Physical Studies of P450-P450 Interactions: Predicting Quaternary Structures of P450 Complexes in Membranes from Their X-ray Crystal Structures

Cytochrome P450 enzymes, which catalyze oxygenation reactions of both exogenous and endogenous chemicals, are membrane bound proteins that require interaction with their redox partners in order to function. Those responsible for drug and foreign compound metabolism are localized primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum of liver, lung, intestine, and other tissues. More recently, the potential for P450 enzymes to exist as supramolecular complexes has been shown by the demonstration of both homomeric and heteromeric complexes. The P450 units in these complexes are heterogeneous with respect to their distribution and function, and the interaction of different P450s can influence P450-specific metabolism. The goal of this review is to examine the evidence supporting the existence of physical complexes among P450 enzymes. Additionally, the review examines the crystal lattices of different P450 enzymes derived from X-ray diffraction data to make assumptions regarding possible quaternary structures in membranes and in turn, to predict how the quaternary structures could influence metabolism and explain the functional effects of specific P450-P450 interactions.

Herb-drug interaction of Andrographis paniculata (Nees) extract and andrographolide on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic of naproxen in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Andrographis paniculata Nees (Acanthacae) have broad range of pharmacological effects such as hepatoprotective, antifertility, antimalarial, antidiabetic, suppression of various cancer cells and anti-inflammatory properties and is widely used medicinal plant in the traditional Unani and Ayurvedic medicinal systems. Andrographolide (AN) is one of the active constituent of the A. paniculata Nees extract (APE). They have been found in many traditional herbal formulations in India and proven to be effective as anti-inflammatory drug.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (anti arthritic) herb-drug interactions of A. paniculata Nees extract (APE) and pure andrographolide (AN) with naproxen (NP) after oral co-administration in wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After oral co-administration of APE (200mg/Kg) and AN (60mg/kg) with NP (7.5mg/kg) in rats, drug concentrations in plasma were determined using HPLC method. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of C_max, t_max, t_1/2, MRT, Vd, CL, and AUC were calculated by non-compartment model. Change in paw volume, mechanical nociceptive threshold, mechanical hyperalgesia, histopathology and hematological parameters were evaluated to study antiarthritic activity.

RESULTS

Co-administration of NP with APE and pure AN decreased systemic exposure level of NP in vivo. The C_max, t_max, AUC_0-t of NP was decreased. In pharmacodynamic study, NP (10mg/kg) alone and NP+AN (10+60mg/kg) groups exhibited significant synergistic anti-arthritic activity as compared to groups NP+APE, APE and AN alone.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained from this study suggested that NP, APE and pure AN existed pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions in rat which is correlated with anti-arthritic study. The knowledge regarding possible herb-drug interaction of NP might be helpful for physicians as well as patients using AP. So further studies should be done to understand the effect of other herbal ingredients of APE on NP as well as to predict the herb-drug interaction in humans.

Characterization of cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in sequential two-step bioactivation of diclofenac to reactive p-benzoquinone imines

Idiosyncratic drug-induced lever injury (IDILI) is a rare but severe side effect of diclofenac (DF). Several mechanisms have been proposed as cause of DF-induced toxicity including the formation of protein-reactive diclofenac-1',4'-quinone imine (DF-1',4'-QI) and diclofenac-2,5-quinone imine (DF-2,5-QI). Formation of these p-benzoquinone imines result from two-step oxidative metabolism involving aromatic hydroxylation to 4'-hydroxydiclofenac and 5-hydroxydiclofenac followed by dehydrogenation to DF-1',4'-QI and DF-2,5-QI, respectively. Although the contribution of individual cytochrome P450s (CYPs) in aromatic hydroxylation of DF is well studied, the enzymes involved in the dehydrogenation reactions have been poorly characterized. The results of the present study show that both formation of 4'-hydroxydiclofenac and it subsequent bioactivation to DF-1',4'-QI is selectively catalyzed by CYP2C9. However, the two-step bioactivation to DF-2,5-QI appears to be catalyzed with highest activity by two different CYPs: 5-hydroxylation of DF is predominantly catalyzed by CYP3A4, whereas its subsequent bioactivation to DF-2,5-QI is catalyzed with 14-fold higher intrinsic clearance by CYP2C9. The fact that both CYPs involved in two-step bioactivation of DF show large interindividual variability may play a role in different susceptibility of patients to DF-induced IDILI. Furthermore, expression levels of these enzymes and protective enzymes might be important factors determining sensitivity of in vitro models for hepatotoxicity.

The Role of Protein-Protein and Protein-Membrane Interactions on P450 Function

This symposium summary, sponsored by the ASPET, was held at Experimental Biology 2015 on March 29, 2015, in Boston, Massachusetts. The symposium focused on: 1) the interactions of cytochrome P450s (P450s) with their redox partners; and 2) the role of the lipid membrane in their orientation and stabilization. Two presentations discussed the interactions of P450s with NADPH-P450 reductase (CPR) and cytochrome b5. First, solution nuclear magnetic resonance was used to compare the protein interactions that facilitated either the hydroxylase or lyase activities of CYP17A1. The lyase interaction was stimulated by the presence of b5 and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, whereas the hydroxylase reaction was predominant in the absence of b5. The role of b5 was also shown in vivo by selective hepatic knockout of b5 from mice expressing CYP3A4 and CYP2D6; the lack of b5 caused a decrease in the clearance of several substrates. The role of the membrane on P450 orientation was examined using computational methods, showing that the proximal region of the P450 molecule faced the aqueous phase. The distal region, containing the substrate-access channel, was associated with the membrane. The interaction of NADPH-P450 reductase (CPR) with the membrane was also described, showing the ability of CPR to "helicopter" above the membrane. Finally, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was shown to be heterogeneous, having ordered membrane regions containing cholesterol and more disordered regions. Interestingly, two closely related P450s, CYP1A1 and CYP1A2, resided in different regions of the ER. The structural characteristics of their localization were examined. These studies emphasize the importance of P450 protein organization to their function.

Immobilized Cytochrome P450 for Monitoring of P450-P450 Interactions and Metabolism

Cytochrome P450 (P450) protein-protein interactions have been shown to alter their catalytic activity. Furthermore, these interactions are isoform specific and can elicit activation, inhibition, or no effect on enzymatic activity. Studies show that these effects are also dependent on the protein partner cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) and the order of protein addition to purified reconstituted enzyme systems. In this study, we use controlled immobilization of P450s to a gold surface to gain a better understanding of P450-P450 interactions between three key drug-metabolizing isoforms (CYP2C9, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6). Molecular modeling was used to assess the favorability of homomeric/heteromeric P450 complex formation. P450 complex formation in vitro was analyzed in real time utilizing surface plasmon resonance. Finally, the effects of P450 complex formation were investigated utilizing our immobilized platform and reconstituted enzyme systems. Molecular modeling shows favorable binding of CYP2C9-CPR, CYP2C9-CYP2D6, CYP2C9-CYP2C9, and CYP2C9-CYP3A4, in rank order.KDvalues obtained via surface plasmon resonance show strong binding, in the nanomolar range, for the above pairs, with CYP2C9-CYP2D6 yielding the lowestKD, followed by CYP2C9-CYP2C9, CYP2C9-CPR, and CYP2C9-CYP3A4. Metabolic incubations show that immobilized CYP2C9 metabolism was activated by homomeric complex formation. CYP2C9 metabolism was not affected by the presence of CYP3A4 with saturating CPR concentrations. CYP2C9 metabolism was activated by CYP2D6 at saturating CPR concentrations in solution but was inhibited when CYP2C9 was immobilized. The order of addition of proteins (CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CPR) influenced the magnitude of inhibition for CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. These results indicate isoform-specific P450 interactions and effects on P450-mediated metabolism.

[Molecular organization of the microsomal oxidative system: a new connotation for an old term]

The central role that cytochromes P450 play in the metabolism of drugs and other xenobiotics makes these enzymes a major subject for studies of drug disposition, adverse drug effects and drug-drug interactions. Although there has been tremendous success in delineating P450 mechanisms, the concept of the drug-metabolizing ensemble as a functionally integrated system remains undeveloped. However, eukaryotic cells typically possess a multitude of different P450 enzymes that are co-localized in the membrane of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and interact with each other with the formation of dynamic heteromeric complexes (mixed oligomers). Appreciation of the importance of developing an integral, systems approach to the ensemble of cytochromes P450 as an integral system inspired growing interest of researchers to the molecular organization of microsomal monooxygenase, which remained in the focus of research of academician Archakov for over 40 years. Fundamental studies carried out under his guidance have an important impact on our current concepts in this area. Further exploration of the molecular organization of the system of microsomal monooxygenase as an integral multienzyme and multifunctional system will have an essential impact on our understanding of the key factors that determine the changes in human drug metabolism and other P450-related functions in development, aging, and disease, as well as under influence of drugs, food ingredients, and environmental contaminants.

CYP2C9 genotype vs. metabolic phenotype for individual drug dosing--a correlation analysis using flurbiprofen as probe drug

Currently, genotyping of patients for polymorphic enzymes responsible for metabolic elimination is considered a possibility to adjust drug dose levels. For a patient to profit from this procedure, the interindividual differences in drug metabolism within one genotype should be smaller than those between different genotypes. We studied a large cohort of healthy young adults (283 subjects), correlating their CYP2C9 genotype to a simple phenotyping metric, using flurbiprofen as probe drug. Genotyping was conducted for CYP2C9*1, *2, *3. The urinary metabolic ratio MR (concentration of CYP2C9-dependent metabolite divided by concentration of flurbiprofen) determined two hours after flurbiprofen (8.75 mg) administration served as phenotyping metric. Linear statistical models correlating genotype and phenotype provided highly significant allele-specific MR estimates of 0.596 for the wild type allele CYP2C9*1, 0.405 for CYP2C9*2 (68 % of wild type), and 0.113 for CYP2C9*3 (19 % of wild type). If these estimates were used for flurbiprofen dose adjustment, taking 100 % for genotype *1/*1, an average reduction to 84 %, 60 %, 68 %, 43 %, and 19 % would result for genotype *1/*2, *1/*3, *2/*2, *2/*3, and *3/*3, respectively. Due to the large individual variation within genotypes with coefficients of variation ≥ 20 % and supposing the normal distribution, one in three individuals would be out of the average optimum dose by more than 20 %, one in 20 would be 40 % off. Whether this problem also applies to other CYPs and other drugs has to be investigated case by case. Our data for the given example, however, puts the benefit of individual drug dosing to question, if it is exclusively based on genotype.

Cytochrome P450 system proteins reside in different regions of the endoplasmic reticulum

Cytochrome P450 (P450) function is dependent on the ability of these enzymes to successfully interact with their redox partners, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) and cytochrome b5, in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Because the ER is heterogeneous in lipid composition, membrane microdomains with different characteristics are formed. Ordered microdomains are more tightly packed, and enriched in saturated fatty acids, sphingomyelin and cholesterol, whereas disordered regions contain higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids. The goal of the present study was to determine whether the P450 system proteins localize to different regions of the ER. The localization of CYP1A2, CYP2B4 and CYP2E1 within the ER was determined by partial membrane solubilization with Brij 98, centrifugation on a discontinuous sucrose gradient and immune blotting of the gradient fractions to identify ordered and disordered microdomains. CYP1A2 resided almost entirely in the ordered regions of the ER with CPR also localized predominantly to this region. CYP2B4 was equally distributed between the ordered and disordered domains. In contrast, CYP2E1 localized to the disordered membrane regions. Removal of cholesterol (an important constituent of ordered domains) led to the relocation of CYP1A2, CYP2B4 and CPR to the disordered regions. Interestingly, CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 localized to different membrane microdomains, despite their high degree of sequence similarity. These data demonstrate that P450 system enzymes are organized in specific membrane regions, and their localization can be affected by depletion of membrane cholesterol. The differential localization of different P450 in specific membrane regions may provide a novel mechanism for modulating P450 function.

Interactions among cytochromes P450 in microsomal membranes: oligomerization of cytochromes P450 3A4, 3A5, and 2E1 and its functional consequences

The body of evidence of physiologically relevant P450-P450 interactions in microsomal membranes continues to grow. Here we probe oligomerization of human CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP2E1 in microsomal membranes. Using a technique based on luminescence resonance energy transfer, we demonstrate that all three proteins are subject to a concentration-dependent equilibrium between the monomeric and oligomeric states. We also observed the formation of mixed oligomers in CYP3A4/CYP3A5, CYP3A4/CYP2E1, and CYP3A5/CYP2E1 pairs and demonstrated that the association of either CYP3A4 or CYP3A5 with CYP2E1 causes activation of the latter enzyme. Earlier we hypothesized that the intersubunit interface in CYP3A4 oligomers is similar to that observed in the crystallographic dimers of some microsomal drug-metabolizing cytochromes P450 (Davydov, D. R., Davydova, N. Y., Sineva, E. V., Kufareva, I., and Halpert, J. R. (2013) Pivotal role of P450-P450 interactions in CYP3A4 allostery: the case of α-naphthoflavone. Biochem. J. 453, 219-230). Here we report the results of intermolecular cross-linking of CYP3A4 oligomers with thiol-reactive bifunctional reagents as well as the luminescence resonance energy transfer measurements of interprobe distances in the oligomers of labeled CYP3A4 single-cysteine mutants. The results provide compelling support for the physiological relevance of the dimer-specific peripheral ligand-binding site observed in certain CYP3A4 structures. According to our interpretation, these results reveal an important general mechanism that regulates the activity and substrate specificity of the cytochrome P450 ensemble through interactions between multiple P450 species. As a result of P450-P450 cross-talk, the catalytic properties of the cytochrome P450 ensemble cannot be predicted by simple summation of the properties of the individual P450 species.

Role of protein-protein interactions in cytochrome P450-mediated drug metabolism and toxicity

Through their unique oxidative chemistry, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) catalyze the elimination of most drugs and toxins from the human body. Protein–protein interactions play a critical role in this process. Historically, the study of CYP–protein interactions has focused on their electron transfer partners and allosteric mediators, cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome b5. However, CYPs can bind other proteins that also affect CYP function. Some examples include the progesterone receptor membrane component 1, damage resistance protein 1, human and bovine serum albumin, and intestinal fatty acid binding protein, in addition to other CYP isoforms. Furthermore, disruption of these interactions can lead to altered paths of metabolism and the production of toxic metabolites. In this review, we summarize the available evidence for CYP protein–protein interactions from the literature and offer a discussion of the potential impact of future studies aimed at characterizing noncanonical protein–protein interactions with CYP enzymes.

Altered CYP2C9 activity following modulation of CYP3A4 levels in human hepatocytes: an example of protein-protein interactions

Cytochrome P450 (P450) protein-protein interactions resulting in modulation of enzyme activities have been well documented using recombinant isoforms. This interaction has been less clearly demonstrated in a more physiologic in vitro system such as human hepatocytes. As an expansion of earlier work (Subramanian et al., 2010), in which recombinant CYP2C9 activity decreased with increasing levels of CYP3A4, the current study modulated CYP3A4 content in human hepatocytes to determine the impact on CYP2C9. Modulation of CYP3A4 levels in situ was enabled by the use of a long-term human hepatocyte culture model (HepatoPac) shown to retain phenotypic hepatocyte function over a number of weeks. The extended period of culture allowed time for knockdown of CYP3A4 protein by small interfering RNA (siRNA) with subsequent recovery, as well as upregulation through induction with a recovery period. CYP3A4 gene silencing resulted in a 60% decrease in CYP3A4 activity and protein levels with a concomitant 74% increase in CYP2C9 activity, with no change in CYP2C9 mRNA levels. Upon removal of siRNA, both CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 activities returned to pre-knockdown levels. Importantly, modulation of CYP3A4 protein levels had no impact on cytochrome P450 reductase activities or levels. However, the possibility for competition for limiting reductase cannot be ruled out. Interestingly, lowering CYP3A4 levels also increased UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 activity. These studies clearly demonstrate that alterations in CYP3A4 levels can modulate CYP2C9 activity in situ and suggest that further studies are warranted to evaluate the possible clinical consequences of these findings.

Extensive protein interactions involving cytochrome P450 3A4: a possible contributor to the formation of a metabolosome

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 is a membrane protein that catalyzes hydroxylation of endogenous and exogenous substrates. Protein–protein interaction is a crucial factor that regulates the function of enzymes. However, protein–protein interactions involving human CYPs have not been fully understood. In this study, extensive protein–protein interactions involving CYP3A4 were determined by a shotgun analysis of immunoprecipitate utilizing anti-CYP3A4 antibody. Our shotgun analysis revealed that 149 proteins were immunoprecipitated with anti-CYP3A4 antibody in human liver microsomes. We further determined that 51 proteins of 149 proteins were specifically immunoprecipitated with the anti-CYP3A4 antibody. Our analysis demonstrated that other CYP isoforms are interacting with CYP3A4, which is in agreement with previous findings. Based on our current and previous findings, we propose that drug-metabolizing enzymes such as CYP3A4 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 form a metabolosome, which is a functional unit of metabolism consisting of multiple metabolism-related proteins.

Functional studies of N-terminally modified CYP2J2 epoxygenase in model lipid bilayers

CYP2J2 epoxygenase is a membrane bound cytochrome P450 that converts omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids into physiologically active epoxides. In this work, we present a comprehensive comparison of the effects of N-terminal modifications on the properties of CYP2J2 with respect to the activity of the protein in model lipid bilayers using Nanodiscs. We demonstrate that the complete truncation of the N-terminus changes the association of this protein with the E.coli membrane but does not disrupt incorporation in the lipid bilayers of Nanodiscs. Notably, the introduction of silent mutations at the N-terminus was used to express full length CYP2J2 in E. coli while maintaining wild-type functionality. We further show that lipid bilayers are essential for the productive use of NADPH for ebastine hydroxylation by CYP2J2. Taken together, it was determined that the presence of the N-terminus is not as critical as the presence of a membrane environment for efficient electron transfer from cytochrome P450 reductase to CYP2J2 for ebastine hydroxylation in Nanodiscs. This suggests that adopting the native-like conformation of CYP2J2 and cytochrome P450 reductase in lipid bilayers is essential for effective use of reducing equivalents from NADPH for ebastine hydroxylation.

Identifying cytochrome p450 functional networks and their allosteric regulatory elements

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes play key roles in drug metabolism and adverse drug-drug interactions. Despite tremendous efforts in the past decades, essential questions regarding the function and activity of CYPs remain unanswered. Here, we used a combination of sequence-based co-evolutionary analysis and structure-based anisotropic thermal diffusion (ATD) molecular dynamics simulations to detect allosteric networks of amino acid residues and characterize their biological and molecular functions. We investigated four CYP subfamilies (CYP1A, CYP2D, CYP2C, and CYP3A) that are involved in 90% of all metabolic drug transformations and identified four amino acid interaction networks associated with specific CYP functionalities, i.e., membrane binding, heme binding, catalytic activity, and dimerization. Interestingly, we did not detect any co-evolved substrate-binding network, suggesting that substrate recognition is specific for each subfamily. Analysis of the membrane binding networks revealed that different CYP proteins adopt different membrane-bound orientations, consistent with the differing substrate preference for each isoform. The catalytic networks were associated with conservation of catalytic function among CYP isoforms, whereas the dimerization network was specific to different CYP isoforms. We further applied low-temperature ATD simulations to verify proposed allosteric sites associated with the heme-binding network and their role in regulating metabolic fate. Our approach allowed for a broad characterization of CYP properties, such as membrane interactions, catalytic mechanisms, dimerization, and linking these to groups of residues that can serve as allosteric regulators. The presented combined co-evolutionary analysis and ATD simulation approach is also generally applicable to other biological systems where allostery plays a role.

Correlating structure and function of drug-metabolizing enzymes: progress and ongoing challenges

This report summarizes a symposium sponsored by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics at Experimental Biology held April 20-24 in Boston, MA. Presentations discussed the status of cytochrome P450 (P450) knowledge, emphasizing advances and challenges in relating structure with function and in applying this information to drug design. First, at least one structure of most major human drug-metabolizing P450 enzymes is known. However, the flexibility of these active sites can limit the predictive value of one structure for other ligands. A second limitation is our coarse-grain understanding of P450 interactions with membranes, other P450 enzymes, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, and cytochrome b5. Recent work has examined differential P450 interactions with reductase in mixed P450 systems and P450:P450 complexes in reconstituted systems and cells, suggesting another level of functional control. In addition, protein nuclear magnetic resonance is a new approach to probe these protein/protein interactions, identifying interacting b5 and P450 surfaces, showing that b5 and reductase binding are mutually exclusive, and demonstrating ligand modulation of CYP17A1/b5 interactions. One desired outcome is the application of such information to control drug metabolism and/or design selective P450 inhibitors. A final presentation highlighted development of a CYP3A4 inhibitor that slows clearance of human immunodeficiency virus drugs otherwise rapidly metabolized by CYP3A4. Although understanding P450 structure/function relationships is an ongoing challenge, translational advances will benefit from continued integration of existing and new biophysical approaches.

Interactions between cytochromes P450 2B4 (CYP2B4) and 1A2 (CYP1A2) lead to alterations in toluene disposition and P450 uncoupling

The goal of this study was to characterize the effects of CYP1A2·CYP2B4 complex formation on the rates and efficiency of toluene metabolism by comparing the results from simple reconstituted systems containing P450 reductase (CPR) and a single P450 to those using a mixed system containing CPR and both P450s. In the mixed system, the rates of formation of CYP2B4-specific benzyl alcohol and p-cresol were inhibited, whereas that of CYP1A2-specific o-cresol was increased, results consistent with the formation of a CYP1A2·CYP2B4 complex in which the CYP1A2 moiety has a higher affinity for CPR binding. Comparison of the rates of NADPH oxidation and production of hydrogen peroxide and excess water by the simple and mixed systems indicated that excess water formed at a much lower rate in the mixed system. The commensurate increase in the rate of CYP1A2-specific product formation suggested the P450·P450 interaction increased the rate of the putative rate-limiting step of CYP1A2 catalysis, abstraction of a hydrogen radical from the substrate. Cumene hydroperoxide-supported metabolism was measured to determine whether the effects of the P450·P450 interaction required the presence of CPR. Peroxidative metabolism was not affected by the interaction of the two P450s, even with CPR present. However, CPR did stimulate peroxidative metabolism by the simple system containing CYP1A2. These results suggest the major functional effects of the P450·P450 interaction are mediated by changes in the relative abilities of the P450s to receive electrons from CPR. Furthermore, CPR may play an effector role by causing a conformational change in CYP1A2 that makes its metabolism more efficient.

Effect of homomeric P450-P450 complexes on P450 function

Previous studies have shown that the presence of one P450 enzyme can affect the function of another. The goal of the present study was to determine if P450 enzymes are capable of forming homomeric complexes that affect P450 function. To address this problem, the catalytic activities of several P450s were examined in reconstituted systems containing NADPH-POR (cytochrome P450 reductase) and a single P450. CYP2B4 (cytochrome P450 2B4)-, CYP2E1 (cytochrome P450 2E1)- and CYP1A2 (cytochrome P450 1A2)-mediated activities were measured as a function of POR concentration using reconstituted systems containing different concentrations of P450. Although CYP2B4-dependent activities could be explained by a simple Michaelis-Menten interaction between POR and CYP2B4, both CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 activities generally produced a sigmoidal response as a function of [POR]. Interestingly, the non-Michaelis behaviour of CYP1A2 could be converted into a simple mass-action response by increasing the ionic strength of the buffer. Next, physical interactions between CYP1A2 enzymes were demonstrated in reconstituted systems by chemical cross-linking and in cellular systems by BRET (bioluminescence resonance energy transfer). Cross-linking data were consistent with the kinetic responses in that both were similarly modulated by increasing the ionic strength of the surrounding solution. Taken together, these results show that CYP1A2 forms CYP1A2-CYP1A2 complexes that exhibit altered catalytic activity.

Protein-protein and protein-membrane associations in the lignin pathway

Supramolecular organization of enzymes is proposed to orchestrate metabolic complexity and help channel intermediates in different pathways. Phenylpropanoid metabolism has to direct up to 30% of the carbon fixed by plants to the biosynthesis of lignin precursors. Effective coupling of the enzymes in the pathway thus seems to be required. Subcellular localization, mobility, protein-protein, and protein-membrane interactions of four consecutive enzymes around the main branch point leading to lignin precursors was investigated in leaf tissues of Nicotiana benthamiana and cells of Arabidopsis thaliana. CYP73A5 and CYP98A3, the two Arabidopsis cytochrome P450s (P450s) catalyzing para- and meta-hydroxylations of the phenolic ring of monolignols were found to colocalize in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and to form homo- and heteromers. They moved along with the fast remodeling plant ER, but their lateral diffusion on the ER surface was restricted, likely due to association with other ER proteins. The connecting soluble enzyme hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (HCT), was found partially associated with the ER. Both HCT and the 4-coumaroyl-CoA ligase relocalized closer to the membrane upon P450 expression. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy supports P450 colocalization and interaction with the soluble proteins, enhanced by the expression of the partner proteins. Protein relocalization was further enhanced in tissues undergoing wound repair. CYP98A3 was the most effective in driving protein association.

Cytochrome b(5) forms homomeric complexes in living cells

Cytochrome b(5) (cyt-b(5)) is a ubiquitous hemoprotein also associated with microsomal cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (CYP17A1). In the steroidogenic pathway CYP17A1 catalyses the metabolism of pregnenolone, yielding both glucocorticoid and androgen precursors. While not affecting the 17α-hydroxylation of pregnenolone, cyt-b(5) augments the 17,20 lyase reaction of 17-hydroxypregnenolone, catalyzing the formation of DHEA, through direct protein-protein interactions. In this study, multimeric complex formation of cyt-b(5) and the possible regulatory role of these complexes were investigated. Cyt-b(5) was isolated from ovine liver and used to raise anti-sheep cyt-b(5) immunoglobulins. Immunochemical studies revealed that, in vivo, cyt-b(5) is primarily found in the tetrameric form. Subsequent fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies in COS-1 cells confirmed the formation of homomeric complexes by cyt-b(5) in live cells. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the C-terminal linker domain of cyt-b(5) is vital for complex formation. The 17,20-lyase activity of CYP17 was augmented by truncated cyt-b(5), which is unable to form complexes when co-expressed in COS-1 cells, thereby implicating the monomeric form of cyt-b(5) as the active species. This study has shown for the first time that cyt-b(5) forms homomeric complexes in vivo, implicating complex formation as a possible regulatory mechanism in steroidogenesis.

Interactions between CYP2E1 and CYP2B4: effects on affinity for NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and substrate metabolism

Studies in microsomal and reconstituted systems have shown that the presence of one cytochrome P450 isoform can significantly influence the catalytic activity of another isoform. In this study, we assessed whether CYP2E1 could influence the catalytic activity of CYP2B4 under steady-state turnover conditions. The results show that CYP2E1 inhibits CYP2B4-mediated metabolism of benzphetamine (BNZ) with a K(i) of 0.04 µM. However, CYP2B4 is not an inhibitor of CYP2E1-mediated p-nitrophenol hydroxylation. When these inhibition studies were performed with the artificial oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide, CYP2E1 did not significantly inhibit CYP2B4 activity. Determinations of the apparent K(M) and k(cat) of CYP2B4 for CPR in the presence of increasing concentrations of CYP2E1 revealed a mixed inhibition of CYP2B4 by CYP2E1. At low concentrations of CYP2E1, the apparent K(M) of CYP2B4 for CPR increased up to 23-fold with virtually no change in the k(cat) for the reaction, however, at higher concentrations of CYP2E1, the apparent K(M) of CYP2B4 for CPR decreased to levels similar to those observed in the absence of CYP2E1 and the k(cat) also decreased by 11-fold. Additionally, CYP2E1 increased the apparent K(M) of CYP2B4 for BNZ by 8-fold and the apparent K(M) did not decrease to its original value when saturating concentrations of CPR were used. While the individual apparent K(M) values of CYP2B4 and CYP2E1 for CPR are similar, the apparent K(M) of CYP2E1 for CPR in the presence of CYP2B4 decreased significantly, thus suggesting that CYP2B4 enhances the affinity of CYP2E1 for CPR and this may allow CYP2E1 to out-compete CYP2B4 for CPR.

Development of an in vitro system with human liver microsomes for phenotyping of CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms with a mechanism-based inactivator

Polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 enzymes can significantly alter the rate of drug metabolism, as well as the extent of drug-drug interactions. Individuals who homozygotically express the CYP2C9*3 allele (I359L) of CYP2C9 exhibit ∼70 to 80% reductions in the oral clearance of drugs metabolized through this pathway; the reduction in clearance is ∼40 to 50% for heterozygotic individuals. Although these polymorphisms result in a decrease in the activity of individual enzyme molecules, we hypothesized that decreasing the total number of active enzyme molecules in an in vitro system (CYP2C9*1/*1 human liver microsomes) by an equivalent percentage could produce the same net change in overall metabolic capacity. To this end, the selective CYP2C9 mechanism-based inactivator tienilic acid was used to reduce irreversibly the total CYP2C9 activity in human liver microsomes. Tienilic acid concentrations were effectively titrated to produce microsomal preparations with 43 and 73% less activity, mimicking the CYP2C9*1/*3 and CYP2C9*3/*3 genotypes, respectively. With probe substrates specific for other major cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4), no apparent changes in the rate of metabolism were noted for these enzymes after the addition of tienilic acid, which suggests that this model is selective for CYP2C9. In lieu of using rare human liver microsomes from CYP2C9*1/*3 and CYP2C9*3/*3 individuals, a tienilic acid-created knockdown in human liver microsomes may be an appropriate in vitro model to determine CYP2C9-mediated metabolism of a given substrate, to determine whether other drug-metabolizing enzymes may compensate for reduced CYP2C9 activity, and to predict the extent of genotype-dependent drug-drug interactions.

Homology modeling of the three membrane proteins of the dhurrin metabolon: catalytic sites, membrane surface association and protein-protein interactions

Formation of metabolons (macromolecular enzyme complexes) facilitates the channelling of substrates in biosynthetic pathways. Metabolon formation is a dynamic process in which transient structures mediated by weak protein-protein interactions are formed. In Sorghum, the cyanogenic glucoside dhurrin is derived from l-tyrosine in a pathway involving the two cytochromes P450 (CYPs) CYP79A1 and CYP71E1, a glucosyltransferase (UGT85B1), and the redox partner NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). Experimental evidence suggests that the enzymes of this pathway form a metabolon. Homology modeling of the three membrane bound proteins was carried out using the Sybyl software and available relevant crystal structures. Residues involved in tight positioning of the substrates and intermediates in the active sites of CYP79A1 and CYP71E1 were identified. In both CYPs, hydrophobic surface domains close to the N-terminal trans-membrane anchor and between the F' and G helices were identified as involved in membrane anchoring. The proximal surface of both CYPs showed positively charged patches complementary to a negatively charged bulge on CPR carrying the FMN domain. A patch of surface exposed, positively charged amino acid residues positioned on the opposite face of the membrane anchor was identified in CYP71E1 and might be involved in binding UGT85B1 via a hypervariable negatively charged loop in this protein.

Formation of P450 · P450 complexes and their effect on P450 function

Cytochromes P450 (P450) are membrane-bound enzymes that catalyze the monooxygenation of a diverse array of xenobiotic and endogenous compounds. The P450s responsible for foreign compound metabolism generally are localized in the endoplasmic reticulum of the liver, lung and small intestine. P450 enzymes do not act alone but require an interaction with other electron transfer proteins such as NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) and cytochrome b(5). Because P450s are localized in the endoplasmic reticulum with these and other ER-resident proteins, there is a potential for protein-protein interactions to influence P450 function. There has been increasing evidence that P450 enzymes form complexes in the ER, with compelling support that formation of P450 · P450 complexes can significantly influence their function. Our goal is to review the research supporting the formation of P450 · P450 complexes, their specificity, and how drug metabolism may be affected. This review describes the potential mechanisms by which P450s may interact, and provides evidence to support each of the possible mechanisms. Additionally, evidence for the formation of both heteromeric and homomeric P450 complexes are reviewed. Finally, direct physical evidence for P450 complex formation in solution and in membranes is summarized, and questions directing the future research of functional P450 interactions are discussed with respect to their potential impact on drug metabolism.

Identification of cytochrome P450 2C2 protein complexes in mouse liver

Interactions of microsomal cytochromes P450 (CYPs) with other proteins in the microsomal membrane are important for their function. In addition to their redox partners, CYPs have been reported to interact with other proteins not directly involved in their enzymatic function. In this study, proteins were identified that interact with CYP2C2 in vivo in mouse liver. Flag-tagged CYP2C2 was expressed exogenously in mouse liver and was affinity purified, along with associated proteins which were identified by MS and confirmed by Western blotting. Over 20 proteins reproducibly copurified with CYP2C2. The heterogeneous sedimentation velocity of CYP2C2 and associated proteins by centrifugation in sucrose gradients and sequential immunoprecipitation analysis were consistent with multiple CYP2C2 complexes of differing composition. The abundance of CYPs and other drug metabolizing enzymes and NAD/NADP requiring enzymes associated with CYP2C2 suggest that complexes of these proteins may improve enzymatic efficiency or facilitate sequential metabolic steps. Chaperones, which may be important for maintaining CYP function, and reticulons, endoplasmic reticulum proteins that shape the morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum and are potential endoplasmic reticulum retention proteins for CYPs, were also associated with CYP2C2.

Microsomal monooxygenase as a multienzyme system: the role of P450-P450 interactions

INTRODUCTION

There is increasing evidence of physical interactions (association) among cytochromes P450 in the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum. Functional consequences of these interactions are often underestimated.

AREAS COVERED

This article provides a comprehensive overview of available experimental material regarding P450-P450 interactions. Special emphasis is given to the interactions between different P450 species and to the functional consequences of homo- and heterooligomerization.

EXPERT OPINION

Recent advances provide conclusive evidence for a substantial degree of P450 oligomerization in membranes. Interactions between different P450 species resulting in the formation of mixed oligomers with altered activity and substrate specificity have been demonstrated clearly. There are important indications that oligomerization impedes electron flow to a fraction of the P450 population, which renders some P450 species nonfunctional. Functional consequences of P450-P450 interactions make the integrated properties of the microsomal monooxygenase remarkably different from a simple summation of the properties of the individual P450 species. This complexity compromises the predictive power of the current in vitro models of drug metabolism and warrants an urgent need for development of new model systems that consider the interactions of multiple P450 species.

Activation of CYP3A-mediated testosterone 6β-hydroxylation by tanshinone IIA and midazolam 1-hydroxylation by cryptotanshinone in human liver microsomes

This study evaluated the in vitro activation of CYP3A-mediated midazolam 1-hydroxylation and testosterone 6β-hydroxylation by tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, and cryptotanshinone. The abilities of tanshinones to activate CYP3A-mediated midazolam 1-hydroxylation and testosterone 6β-hydroxylation in human liver microsomes (HLMs) were tested. Substrate- and effector-dependent activation of CYP3A by tanshinones were both observed. Cryptotanshinone was shown to activate CYP3A-mediated midazolam 1-hydroxylation in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, tanshinone IIA and tanshinone I did not activate this hydroxylation reaction. In addition, tanshinone IIA activated CYP3A-mediated testosterone 6β-hydroxylation, whereas cryptotanshinone and tanshinone I did not. The results from our study enhance the understanding of CYP3A activation by tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in HLMs. Additionally, these data allow for an accurate prediction of the magnitude and likelihood of Danshen-drug interactions.

CYP2C8 exists as a dimer in natural membranes

CYP2C8 with a modified N-terminal sequence (2C8H) crystallizes as a dimer, but it is not known whether native CYP2C8 exists as a dimer in natural membranes. We have examined the organization of 2C8H and CYP2C8 expressed in bacterial membranes and mammalian endoplasmic reticulum membranes, respectively, by cysteine scanning and cross-linking or oxidation of sulfhydryl groups. In both forms of CYP2C8, cross-linked dimers were observed that were eliminated by mutation of Cys-24 in the linker region. Introduction of individual cysteines in the N-terminal 21-amino acid membrane-spanning signal anchor resulted in a pattern of cross-linking consistent with an α-helical structure for the signal anchor. In the linker region, cross-linking was observed for cysteine substituted at residues 22, 23, or 24, just before three Arg residues, indicating close apposition of the two linker sequences despite the neighboring positive charges. Introduction into the F-G loop region of cysteine pairs optimally located for cross-linking based on the crystal structure resulted in cross-linked dimers in the Cys-24 mutant. Deletion of the signal anchor sequence eliminated cross-linking mediated by Cys-24 or by cysteines introduced in the F-G loop regions, indicating that the signal anchor interaction is required for stable dimer formation. These results indicate that the signal anchor sequence and the F-G loop region form interfaces for CYP2C8 intermolecular interactions in natural membranes.

At the crossroads of steroid hormone biosynthesis: the role, substrate specificity and evolutionary development of CYP17

Cytochrome P450s play critical roles in the metabolism of various bioactive compounds. One of the crucial functions of cytochrome P450s in Chordata is in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones. Steroid 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17) is localized in endoplasmic reticulum membranes of steroidogenic cells. CYP17 catalyzes the 17alpha-hydroxylation reaction of delta4-C₂₁ steroids (progesterone derivatives) and delta5-C₂₁ steroids (pregnenolone derivatives) as well as the 17,20-lyase reaction producing C₁₉-steroids, a key branch point in steroid hormone biosynthesis. Depending on CYP17 activity, the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway is directed to either the formation of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids or sex hormones. In the present review, the current information on CYP17 is analyzed and discussed.