Effects of novel 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17, 20-lyase (P450 17, CYP 17) inhibitors on androgen biosynthesis in vitro and in vivo

Aiming at the development of new drugs for the treatment of prostate cancer, the effects of steroidal compounds and one non-steroidal substance on androgen biosynthesis were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Sa 40 [17-(5-pyrimidyl)androsta-5,16-diene-3beta-ol], its 3-acetyl derivate Sa 41 and BW 19 [3,4-dihydro-2-(4-imidazolylmethyl)-6-methoxy-1-methyl-naphthalene] are compounds from our group, which have been developed as inhibitors of CYP 17 (17alpha-hydroxylase-C17, 20-lyase, the key enzyme in androgen biosynthesis). They have been compared with CB 7598 [abiraterone: 17-(3-pyridyl)androsta-5,16-diene-3beta-ol], its 3-acetyl compound CB 7630 and ketoconazole, compounds which already have been used clinically. The most potent compound toward human CYP 17 (testicular microsomes) was Sa 40 (IC(50) value of 24 nM), followed by Sa 41, CB 7598, BW 19, CB 7630 and ketoconazole. Sa 40 shows a type II difference spectrum and a non-competitive type of inhibition (K(i) value of 16 nM). No recovery of enzyme activity was observed after preincubation of CYP 17 with Sa 40 and subsequent charcoal treatment. In Escherichia coli cells coexpressing human CYP 17 and NADPH-P450 reductase, Sa 40 was more active than CB 7598 and BW 19, whereas the acetyl compounds were not active. The latter three compounds were equally active towards rat CYP 17. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were administered daily for 14 days BW 19 and the acetyl derivatives Sa 41 and CB 7630 as prodrugs (0.1 mmol/kg intraperitoneally). The test compounds strongly reduced plasma testosterone concentration, as well as prostate and seminal vesicles weights. They showed moderate inhibitory effects on the weights of levator ani, bulbocavernosus and testes, whereas they led to an increase in adrenal and pituitary weights. The only exception was BW 19 which did not change pituitary weights. Based on its superiority on the human enzyme, it was concluded that Sa 40 in its 3beta-acetate form (Sa 41) could be a promising candidate for clinical evaluation.     

Cellular distribution and bioactivity of the key steroidogenic enzyme,cytochrome P450side chain cleavage,in sensory neural pathways

Neurosteroids are steroids produced within the nervous system. Based on behavioural responses evoked in animals by synthetic steroid injections, several studies suggested neurosteroid involvement in important neurophysiological processes. These observations should be correlated only to neuroactive effects of the injected steroids. Neurosteroids mostly control the CNS activity through allosteric modulation of neurotransmitter receptors within concentration ranges used by neurotransmitters themselves. Therefore, neurosteroid production within pathways controlling a neurophysiological process is necessary to consider neurosteroid involvement in that process. Because of the increasing speculation about pain modulation by neurosteroids based on pharmacological observations, we decided to clarify the situation by investigating neurosteroidogenesis occurrence in sensory pathways, particularly in nociceptive structures. We studied the presence and activity of cytochrome P450side chain cleavage (P450scc) in rat pain pathways. P450scc-immunoreactive cells were localized in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), spinal cord (SC) dorsal horn, nociceptive supraspinal nuclei (SSN) and somatosensory cortex. Incubation of DRG, SSN or SC tissue homogenates with [3H]cholesterol yielded the formation of radioactive metabolites including [3H]pregnenolone of which the synthesis was reduced in presence of aminogluthetimide, a P450scc inhibitor. These first neuroanatomical and neurochemical results demonstrate the occurrence of neurosteroidogenesis in nociceptive pathways and strongly suggest that neurosteroids may control pain mechanisms.     

The influence of cytochrome P450 enzyme activity on the composition and quantity of volatile organics in expired breath

Abstract

We have previously described a method to capture, identify and quantify volatile components in expired breath. The purpose of this research is to provide a non-invasive means to measure biomarkers of metabolism in vivo. In the present studies, the effect of 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT), an inhibitor of diverse cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes, on the composition of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) expired in the breath of male F-344 rats was determined in parallel with the catalytic activities and total content of hepatic P450. lntraperitoneal administration of ABT (100 mg kg-¹) to rats resulted in markedly diminished hepatic microsomal P450 content and activities. The extent of inhibition was near maximal at 4 h, at which time approximately 50% of the total P450 content, about 65% of the CYPlA2 activity, 55% of the CYP2E1 activity, and about 80% of CYP2B activity were lost. Inhibition was maintained to 48 h post-dosing, but P450 content and activities had largely been restored by day 7. Concomitant with the inhibition of P450 were corresponding increases (up to several hundred-fold) in the molar amount of volatiles appearing in the breath of ABT-treated animals, and the rebound of P450 levels was attended by corresponding decreases in the appearance of breath volatiles. These studies indicate that P450 plays a major role in the metabolism of VOCs appearing in breath, and that these chemicals can serve as markers on P450 activity in vivo.     

The influence of cytochrome P450 enzyme activity on the composition and quantity of volatile organics in expired breath

We have previously described a method to capture, identify and quantify volatile components in expired breath. The purpose of this research is to provide a non-invasive means to measure biomarkers of metabolism in vivo. In the present studies, the effect of 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT), an inhibitor of diverse cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes, on the composition of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) expired in the breath of male F-344 rats was determined in parallel with the catalytic activities and total content of hepatic P450. lntraperitoneal administration of ABT (100 mg kg-¹) to rats resulted in markedly diminished hepatic microsomal P450 content and activities. The extent of inhibition was near maximal at 4 h, at which time approximately 50% of the total P450 content, about 65% of the CYPlA2 activity, 55% of the CYP2E1 activity, and about 80% of CYP2B activity were lost. Inhibition was maintained to 48 h post-dosing, but P450 content and activities had largely been restored by day 7. Concomitant with the inhibition of P450 were corresponding increases (up to several hundred-fold) in the molar amount of volatiles appearing in the breath of ABT-treated animals, and the rebound of P450 levels was attended by corresponding decreases in the appearance of breath volatiles. These studies indicate that P450 plays a major role in the metabolism of VOCs appearing in breath, and that these chemicals can serve as markers on P450 activity in vivo.     

In vitro and in vivo models for the evaluation of potent inhibitors of male rat 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase

The C(17,20)-lyase is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of androgens by both the testes and adrenals. A complete inhibition of this enzyme would provide an alternative means of androgen suppression for the treatment of prostatic cancers. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of new non-steroidal compounds were tested in vitro on rat C(17,20)-lyase versus abiraterone, a reference steroidal inhibitor. Their activities were also evaluated in vivo on plasma testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and on testes, adrenals, seminal vesicles (SV) and ventral prostate (VP) weights after 3 days of oral treatment to adult male rats (50mg/kg per day p.o.).Inhibition in the nanomolar range was obtained with TX 977, the lead racemate product in this series, and optimization is ongoing based on a slight dissociation observed between its two diastereoisomers, TX 1196-11 (S) and TX 1197-11 (R). These non-steroidal compounds (including YM 55208, a reference competitor) proved to be more active in vivo than abiraterone acetate in this model, but the observed impact on adrenal weight suggests that the specificity of lyase inhibition versus corticosteroid biosynthesis deserves further investigations with this new class of potentially useful agents for the treatment of androgen-dependent prostate cancer.     

亚致死浓度氰氟虫腙对小菜蛾三种解毒酶及P450 mRNA表达量的影响

【目的】为探讨亚致死浓度氰氟虫腙对小菜蛾Plutella xylostella(L.)3种解毒酶和细胞色素P450基因表达量的影响。【方法】采用叶片浸渍法,测定用氰氟虫腙LC10和LC25处理72 h后小菜蛾羧酸酯酶、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶和多功能氧化酶3种解毒酶的活性;应用实时荧光定量PCR(Real-time PCR)方法测定了其在24、48和72 h时对P450基因(Px CYP4、Px CYP6和Px CYP9家族)表达的影响。【结果】结果表明,氰氟虫腙LC10和LC25处理对羧酸酯酶活性影响不显著;对谷胱甘肽S-转移酶活性存在显著抑制作用(P<0.05);LC25处理后多功能氧化酶活性显著增加(P<0.05),为对照的1.39倍。同时,LC25氰氟虫腙处理组小菜蛾P450基因Px CYP4M19、Px CYP6BF1V2、Px CYP6CN1和Px CYP6CV2 m RNA的相对表达量分别为对照组的2.33~8.5倍、1.32~3.48倍、1.18~2.53倍、2.02~7.22倍。【结论】结果显示,氰氟虫腙可能通过诱导这4种P450基因m RNA的上调表达而增强了小菜蛾多功能氧化酶酶活性。     

Molecular Modeling on Inhibitor Complexes and Active-Site Dynamics of Cytochrome P450 C17, a Target for Prostate Cancer Therapy

A molecular model for the P450 enzyme cytochrome P450 C17 (CYP17) is presented based on sequence alignments of multiple template structures and homology modeling. This enzyme plays a central role in the biosynthesis of testosterone and is emerging as a major target in prostate cancer, with the recently developed inhibitor abiraterone currently in advanced clinical trials. The model is described in detail, together with its validation, by providing structural explanations to available site-directed mutagenesis data. The CYP17 molecule in this model is in the form of a triangular prism, with an edge of ∼ 55 Å and a thickness of ∼ 37 Å. It is predominantly helical, comprising 13 α helices interspersed by six 3₁₀ helices and 11 β-sheets. Multinanosecond molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent have been carried out, and principal components analysis has been used to reveal the details of dynamics around the active site. Coarse-grained methods have also been used to verify low-frequency motions, which have been correlated with active-site gating. The work also describes the results of docking synthetic inhibitors, including the drug abiraterone and the natural substrate pregnenolone, in the CYP17 active site together with molecular dynamics simulations on the complexes.     

cytochrome p450 superfamily in Arabidopsis thaliana: isolation of cDNAs,Differential Expression,and RFLP mapping of multiple cytochromes P450

We have isolated multiple cDNAs encoding cytochromes P450 (P450s) from Arabidopsis thaliana employing a PCR strategy. Degenerate oligonucleotide primers were designed from amino acid sequences conserved between two plant P450s, CYP71A1 and CYP73A2, including the heme-binding site and the proline-rich motif found in the N-terminal region, and 11 putative P450 fragments were amplified from first-strand cDNA from 7-day-old Arabidopsis as a template. With these PCR fragments as hybridization probes, 13 full-length and 3 partial cDNAs encoding different P450s have been isolated from an Arabidopsis cDNA library. These P450s have been assigned to either one of the established subfamilies: CYP71B, CYP73A, and CYP83A; or novel subfamilies: CYP76C, CYP83B, and CYP91A. The primary protein structures predicted from the cDNA sequences revealed that the regions around both the heme-binding site and the proline-rich motif were highly conserved among all these P450s. The N-terminal structures of the predicted P450 proteins suggested that these Arabidopsis P450s were located at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. The loci of four P450 genes were determined by RFLP mapping. One of the clones, CYP71B2, was located at a position very close to the ga4 and gai mutations. RNA blot analysis showed expression patterns unique to each of the P450s in terms of tissue specificity and responsiveness to wounding and light/dark cycle, implicating involvement of these P450s in diverse metabolic processes.     

人类细胞色素P450与药物氧化代谢遗传多态性分子机制的研究现状

近年,在表型及基因型上均发现存在药物氧化代谢多态性,特别是对于人类细胞色素Ｐ４５０氧化酶与药氧化代谢遗传多态性的关系进行了深入的研究。有关ＣＹＰ２Ｄ６、ＣＹＰ２Ｃ１９等的突变已大多被鉴定;ＣＹＰ１Ａ１、ＣＹＰ１Ａ２等在表型存在多态性而确切的遗传机制尚不清楚。     

Comparative study of the binding mode between cytochrome P450 17A1 and prostate cancer drugs in the absence of haem iron

Abstract

According to the X-ray crystal structures of CYP17A1 (including its complexes with inhibitors), it is shown that a hydrogen bond exists between CYP17A1 and its inhibitors (such as abiraterone and TOK-001). Previous short MD simulations (50?ns) suggested that the binding of abiraterone to CYP17A1 is stronger than that of TOK-001. In this work, by carrying out long atomistic MD simulations (200?ns) of CYP17A1 and its complexes with abiraterone and TOK-001, we observed a binding mode between CYP17A1 and abiraterone, which is different from the binding mode between CYP17A1 and TOK-001. In the case of abiraterone binding, the unfilled volume in the active site cavity increases the freedom of movement of abiraterone within CYP17A1, leading to the collective motions of the helices G and B′ as well as the breaking of hydrogen bond existing between the 3β-OH group of abiraterone and N202 of CYP17A1. However, the unfilled volume in the active site cavity can be occupied by the benzimidazole ring of TOK-001, restraining the motion of TOK-001. By pulling the two inhibitors (abiraterone and TOK-001) out of the binding pocket in CYP17A1, we discovered that abiraterone and TOK-001 were moved from their binding sites to the surface of protein similarly through the channels formed by the helices G and B′. In addition, based on the free energy calculations, one can see that it is energetically favorable for the two inhibitors (abiraterone and TOK-001) to enter into the binding pocket in CYP17A1.     

Interactions of mammalian cytochrome P450, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, and cytochrome b(5) enzymes

An immobilized system was developed to detect interactions of human cytochromes P450 (P450) with the accessory proteins NADPH-P450 reductase and cytochrome b(5) (b(5)) using an enzyme-linked affinity approach. Purified enzymes were first bound to wells of a polystyrene plate, and biotinylated partner enzymes were added and bound. A streptavidin-peroxidase complex was added, and protein-protein binding was monitored by measuring peroxidase activity of the bound biotinylated proteins. In a model study, we examined protein-protein interactions of Pseudomonas putida putidaredoxin (Pdx) and putidaredoxin reductase (PdR). A linear relationship (r(2)=0.96) was observed for binding of PdR-biotin to immobilized Pdx compared with binding of Pdx-biotin to immobilized PdR (the estimated K(d) value for the Pdx.PdR complex was 0.054muM). Human P450 2A6 interacted strongly with NADPH-P450 reductase; the K(d) values (with the reductase) ranged between 0.005 and 0.1muM for P450s 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4. Relatively weak interaction was found between holo-b(5) or apo-b(5) (devoid of heme) with NADPH-P450 reductase. Among the rat, rabbit, and human P450 1A2 enzymes, the rat enzyme showed the tightest interaction with b(5), although no increases in 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation activities were observed with any of the P450 1A2 enzymes. Human P450s 2A6, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4 interacted well with b(5), with P450 3A4 yielding the lowest K(d) values followed by P450s 2A6 and 2D6. No appreciable increases in interaction between human P450s with b(5) or NADPH-P450 reductase were observed when typical substrates for the P450s were included. We also found that NADPH-P450 reductase did not cause changes in the P450.substrate K(d) values estimated from substrate-induced UV-visible spectral changes with rabbit P450 1A2 or human P450 2A6, 2D6, or 3A4. Collectively, the results show direct and tight interactions between P450 enzymes and the accessory proteins NADPH-P450 reductase and b(5), with different affinities, and that ligand binding to mammalian P450s did not lead to increased interaction between P450s and the reductase.     

Role of C-terminal sequence of cytochrome P450scc in folding and functional activity

To elucidate the role of Arg472 and C-terminal sequence of the mature form of cytochrome P450scc, a mitochondrial cytochrome P450, in the present work we have performed sequential removal of the C-terminal amino acid residues of the hemeprotein and evaluated their functional role in folding and catalysis. The removal of 2, 4, 7, or 9 amino acid residues (cytochrome P450scc mutants Delta2, Delta4, Delta7, and Delta9) does not significantly affect the physicochemical properties of the truncated forms of cytochrome P450scc, but results in significant increase in the expression level of the hemeprotein in Escherichia coli (Delta4 cytochrome P450scc mutant). However, removal of 10 C-terminal amino acid residues (Delta10 cytochrome P450scc) of mature form of cytochrome P450scc (replacement of codon for Arg472 for stop-codon) is followed by loss of the ability for correct folding in E. coli. Based on these data, it is concluded that the C-terminal amino acid residues of cytochrome P450scc (DeltaArg472-Ala481) play an important role in correct recombinant protein folding and heme binding by cytochrome P450scc during its expression in E. coli, while folding of mitochondrial cytochrome P450scc during its heterologous expression in bacterial cells is more similar to the folding of prokaryotic soluble cytochrome P450's than to microsomal cytochrome P450's.     

Characterization of the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) metabolism via oxysterol 7alpha-hydroxylase and 17-ketosteroid reductase activity in the human brain

Dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulphate are important factors for vitality, development and functions of the CNS. They were found to be subjects to a series of enzyme-mediated conversions within the rodent CNS. In the present study, we were able to demonstrate for the first time that membrane-associated dehydroepiandrosterone 7alpha-hydroxylase activity occurs within the human brain. The cytochrome P450 enzyme demonstrated a sharp pH optimum between 7.5 and 8.0 and a mean KM value of 5.4 micro m, corresponding with the presence of the oxysterol 7alpha-hydroxylase CYP7B1. Real-time RT-PCR analysis verified high levels of CYP7B1 mRNA expression in the human CNS. The additionally observed conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone via cytosolic 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity could be ascribed to the activity of an enzyme with a broad pH optimum and an undetectably high KM value. Subsequent experiments with cerebral neocortex and subcortical white matter specimens revealed that 7alpha-hydroxylase activity is significantly higher in the cerebral neocortex than in the subcortical white matter (p < 0.0005), whereas in the subcortical white matter, 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity is significantly higher than in the cerebral neocortex (p < 0.0005). No sex differences were observed. In conclusion, the high levels of CYP7B1 mRNA in brain tissue as well as in a variety of other tissues in combination with the ubiquitous presence of 7alpha-hydroxylase activity in the human temporal lobe led us to assume a neuroprotective function of the enzyme such as regulation of the immune response or counteracting the deleterious effects of neurotoxic glucocorticoids, rather than a distinct brain specific function such as neurostimulation or neuromodulation.     

Dehydroepiandrosterone formation is independent of cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17, 20 lyase activity in the mouse brain

Cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17, 20 lyase (CYP17) is a microsomal enzyme reported to have two distinct catalytic activities, 17α-hydroxylase and 17, 20 lyase, that are essential for the biosynthesis of peripheral androgens such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Paradoxically, DHEA is present and plays a role in learning and memory in the adult rodent brain, while CYP17 activity and protein are undetectable. To determine if CYP17 is required for DHEA formation and function in the adult rodent brain, we generated CYP17 chimeric mice that had reduced circulating testosterone levels. There were no detectable differences in cognitive spatial learning between CYP17 chimeric and wild-type mice. In addition, while CYP17 mRNA levels were reduced in CYP17 chimeric compared to wild-type mouse brain, the levels of brain DHEA levels were comparable. To determine if adult brain DHEA is formed by an alternative Fe²⁺-dependent pathway, brain microsomes were isolated from wild-type and CYP17 chimeric mice and treated with FeSO₄. Fe²⁺ caused comparable levels of DHEA production by both wild-type and CYP17 chimeric mouse brain microsomes; DHEA production was not reduced by a CYP17 inhibitor. Taken together these in vivo studies suggest that in the adult mouse brain DHEA is formed via a Fe²⁺-sensitive CYP17-independent pathway.     

Anatomical distribution of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome P4502D forms in rat brain: Effects of xenobiotics and sex steroids

Since the brain is not a homogeneous organ, but one dependent upon the well orchestrated interaction of numerous parts, pathology in one nucleus may have a large impact upon its overall function. Hence, the anatomical distribution of the P450 monoxygenase system in brain, as well as the regulation of its expression, is important in elucidating its function in that organ. In order to study these issues, female rats-both ovariectomized and not-were treated with a number of xenobiotic compounds and sex steroids. The brains from these animals were dissected into 8 discrete regions and the presence and relative level of message for P4502D and P450 reductase determined using polymerase chain reaction. Results of this investigation indicate the presence of mRNA for reductase and P4502D isoforms throughout the rat brain. In addition, quantitative PCR was utilized to demonstrate the effects of xenobiotics (phenobarbital, β-naphthoflavone, imipramine) and sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen) on the levels of these messages in the female rat brain. Significant induction of message for P4502D forms was noted with testosterone in the absence of estrogen. The level of mRNA for reductase was not significantly influenced by any of the treatments, however. These results raise the issue of a sexual dimorphism in the rat regarding P4502D expression in brain.     

Induction of cytochrome(s) P450-dependent drug metabolism in cultured MH1C1 hepatoma cells

A cell line derived from a Morris hepatoma, MH1C1, was examined for its in vitro expression of monooxygenases. These cells were found to contain different forms of cytochrome P450, as shown by the response to inducers, namely phenobarbital (PB), 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) and metyrapone (MP). MH1C1 cell monolayers exposed to PB or MC showed an increase in the concentration of two spectrally distinct forms of cytochrome P450. The PB and MC treatments elicited enzyme activities towards the substrates aminopyrine and benzo(a)pyrene, respectively. The cell treatment with metyrapone led to a simultaneous stimulation of aminopyrine demethylase and benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase activities, so underlining the peculiar features of this inducer.     

Steroidogenic impairment due to reduced ovarian transcription of cytochrome P450 side-chain-cleavage (P450scc) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) during experimental nephrotic syndrome

The nephrotic syndrome is a renal disease characterized by proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, edema and hyperlipidemia. It has been reported that female nephrotic rats are characterized by loss of the oestrus cycle, follicle atresia, low gonadotropin and steroid concentrations; particularly, undetectable estradiol levels. Therefore, to determine the mechanisms involved in the ovarian steroidogenesis impairment, in this present study we evaluated the ovarian expression of the essential steroidogenesis components: cytochrome P450 side cholesterol chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). The experiments were conducted in the rat experimental model of nephrosis induced by puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) and in control groups. The evaluation of the expression of P450scc and StAR mRNA were performed during the acute phase of nephrosis as well as after the exogenous administration of 1 or 4 doses of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), or a daily dose of FSH or FSH+hCG for 10 days. In addition, serum hormone concentrations, intra-ovarian steroid content, and the reproductive capacity were determined. The results revealed a decreased expression of mRNA of P450scc enzyme and StAR during nephrosis, and eventhough they increased after gonadotropins treatment, they did not conduce to a normal cycling rat period or fertility recovery. This study demonstrates that the mechanism by which ovarian steroid biosynthesis is altered during acute nephrosis involves damage at the P450scc and StAR mRNA synthesis and processing.     

17-Hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase (CYP17) is not the enzyme responsible for side-chain cleavage of cortisol and its metabolites

The question addressed in this study was the nature of the enzyme required to remove the side-chain of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, leading in the case of cortisol to the excretion of 11β-hydroxyandrosterone, 11-oxo-androsterone and the corresponding etiocholanolones. We questioned whether it could be CYP17, the 17-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase utilized in androgen synthesis. The conversion of exogenous cortisol to C₁₉ steroids in patients with complete 17-hydroxylase deficiency (17HD) was studied rationalizing that if CYP17 was involved no C₁₉ steroids would be formed. The urinary excretion of the four 11-oxy-C₁₉ steroids as well as many of the major C₂₁ cortisol metabolites were measured by GC/MS. Our results showed that the conversion of cortisol to C₁₉ steroids was normal in 17HD indicating that a currently unidentified enzyme must be responsible for this transformation.

A secondary goal was to determine to what extent 11-oxy-C₁₉ steroids were metabolites of cortisol or adrenal synthesized 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione. Since cortisol-treated 17HD patients cannot produce androstenedione, all C₁₉ 11-oxy-metabolites excreted must be derived from exogenous cortisol. The extent to which 17HD patients have lower relative excretion of C₁₉ steroids should reflect the absence of 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione metabolites. Our results showed almost all of 11-oxo-etiocholanolone and 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone were cortisol metabolites, but in contrast the excretion of 11β-hydroxyandrosterone was less than 10% that of normal individuals, indicating that in excess of 90% must be a metabolite of 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione.     

Heterologous expression, purification, and properties of human cytochrome P450 27C1

Cytochrome P450 (P450) 27C1 is one of the "orphan" P450 enzymes without a known biological function. A human P450 27C1 cDNA with a nucleotide sequence modified for Escherichia coli usage was prepared and modified at the N-terminus, based on the expected mitochondrial localization. A derivative with residues 3-60 deleted was expressed at a level of 1350nmol/L E. coli culture and had the characteristic P450 spectra. The identity of the expressed protein was confirmed by mass spectrometry of proteolytic fragments. The purified P450 was in the low-spin iron state, and the spin equilibrium was not perturbed by any of the potential substrates vitamin D(3), 1alpha- or 25-hydroxy vitamin D(3), or cholesterol. P450s 27A1 and 27B1 are known to catalyze the 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D(3) and the 1alpha-hydroxylation of 25-hydroxy vitamin D(3), respectively. In the presence of recombinant human adrenodoxin and adrenodoxin reductase, recombinant P450 27C1 did not catalyze the oxidation of vitamin D(3), 1alpha- or 25-hydroxy vitamin D(3), or cholesterol at detectable rates. P450 27C1 mRNA was determined to be expressed in liver, kidney, pancreas, and several other human tissues.