A normal phase high-performance liquid chromatography system for steroid 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase (cytochrome P-450 21scc) assays

A normal phase HPLC system has been developed which is applicable to all of the steroid separations involved in the assay of steroid 17 alpha-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.99.9) and C17-20 lyase activities, in both the delta 4 (progesterone) and delta 5 (pregnenolone) pathways. A hexane-tetrahydrofuran (THF) gradient system is used with silica stationary phase and a flow cell radioactivity detector having a high efficiency for tritium. Folch extraction produces uniform extraction of substrates and products from the microsomal incubates, and this uniformity is maintained through HPLC separation and measurement. The hexane-THF mobile phase is convenient for product isolation and substrate purification and should be adaptable to other steroid separations. The system is especially useful for steroid enzyme assays utilizing radiolabeled substrates, since internal standards are not required for measuring recoveries of substrates and products.     

Hormonal regulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, cholesterol side-chain cleavage and 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase in Leydig cells

Testosterone biosynthesis in Leydig cells is dependent on two cytochrome P450 enzymes, cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450scc) and 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase (P450(17 alpha]. The expression of these two enzymes is differentially regulated by LH acting via its second messenger, cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP), and by specific steroid hormones. P450scc is constitutively expressed in normal mouse Leydig cells and in MA-10 tumor Leydig cells. Chronic cAMP stimulation increases the steady state levels of P450scc mRNA and de novo P450scc protein synthesis. In contrast, cAMP is obligatory for de novo synthesis of P450(17 alpha) in normal mouse Leydig cells; P450(17 alpha) synthesis ceases in the absence of luteinizing hormone or cAMP. MA-10 tumor Leydig cells do not express P450(17 alpha) even after treatment with cAMP. The amount of P450(17 alpha) in Leydig cells is negatively regulated by testosterone acting by two distinct mechanisms. At low concentrations, testosterone acts via the androgen receptor to repress cAMP-induced synthesis of P450(17 alpha), whereas at high concentrations this steroid increases the rate of degradation of the enzyme by an oxygen-mediated mechanism. Both constitutive and cAMP-induced synthesis of P450scc protein and steady state levels of mRNA are modulated by glucocorticoids. In normal mouse Leydig cells, glucocorticoids repress P450scc synthesis and steady state levels of P450scc mRNA, whereas glucocorticoids stimulate P450scc synthesis and levels of P450scc mRNA in the tumor Leydig cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Isolation, characterization, and chromosomal mapping of mouse P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase.

Cytochrome P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase (P45017 alpha) catalyzes the conversion of C-21 steroids to C-19 steroids in gonads. A full-length mouse cDNA encoding P450 17 alpha was isolated from a mouse Leydig cell library and characterized by restriction mapping and sequencing. The predicted amino acid sequence has 83% homology to rat, 66% homology to human, and 62% homology to bovine P45017 alpha amino acid sequences. The protein is 507 amino acids in length, which is 1 amino acid shorter than the human protein and 2 amino acids shorter than the bovine protein. The structural gene encoding P450 17 alpha (Cyp17) was localized utilizing an interspecific testcross to mouse chromosome 19, distal to Got-1. Another cytochrome P450, P4502c (Cyp2c), also is located at the distal end of chromosome 19. CYP17, CYP2c, and GOT1 have been mapped to human chromosome 10, with CYP2C and GOT1 mapped to the distal region, q24.3 and q25.3, respectively. The data in the present study indicate conserved syntenic loci on mouse chromosome 19 and human chromosome 10 and predict that the structural gene encoding P45017 alpha will be found distal to GOT1 on human chromosome 10.     

Immunolocalization of cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/c17-20 lyase in the ovary of pregnant pigs and fetal gonads

The study was designed to localize P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/c17-20 lyase (P450c17) in the ovaries of pregnant pigs and fetal gonads. Immunoexpression of P450c17 was investigated in the porcine ovaries (follicles and corpora lutea; CL) collected on days 10, 18, 32, 50, 70 and 90 post coitum (p.c.), and fetal gonads (testes and ovaries) on days 50, 70 and 90 p.c. The presence of P450c17 in ovarian follicles was demonstrated on all examined days of pregnancy but was restricted to theca interna cells. In CL, P450c17 was detected on all examined days of pregnancy but only in small luteal cells. In the female porcine fetuses, P450c17 immunostaining was found in oocyte nests and granulosa cells of primary ovarian follicles, while in the male fetuses in fetal Leydig cells. In conclusion, the immunolocalization of P450c17, detected in the ovaries of pregnant pigs and fetal porcine gonads, indicates the potential sites of androgen synthesis. We suggest that androgens may play a role in the maintenance of pregnancy and in the development of prenatal gonads in pigs.     

Haploinsufficiency of cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (CYP17) causes infertility in male mice

Cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17) is critical in determining cortisol and sex steroid biosynthesis. To investigate how CYP17 functions in vivo, we generated mice with a targeted deletion of CYP17. Although in chimeric mice Leydig cell CYP17 mRNA and intratesticular and circulating testosterone levels were dramatically reduced (80%), the remaining testosterone was sufficient to support spermatogenesis as evidenced by the generation of phenotypical black C57BL/6 mice. However, male chimeras consistently failed to generate heterozygous CYP17 mice and after five matings chimeric mice stopped mating indicating a change in sexual behavior. These results suggested that CYP17 deletion caused a primary phenotype (infertility), probably not due to the anticipated androgen imbalance and a secondary phenotype (change in sexual behavior) due to the androgen imbalance. Surprisingly, CYP17 mRNA was found in mature sperm, and serial analysis of gene expression identified CYP17 mRNA in other testicular germ cells. CYP17 mRNA levels were directly related to percent chimerism. Moreover, more than 50% of the sperm from high-percentage chimeric mice were morphologically abnormal, and half of them failed the swim test. Furthermore, 60% of swimming abnormal sperm was devoid of CYP17. These results suggest that CYP17, in addition to its role in steroidogenesis and androgen formation, is present in germ cells where it is essential for sperm function, and deletion of one allele prevents genetic transmission of mutant and wild-type alleles causing infertility followed by change in sexual behavior due to androgen imbalance.     

Ticlopidine as a selective mechanism-based inhibitor of human cytochrome P450 2C19

Experiments using recombinant yeast-expressed human liver cytochromes P450 confirmed previous literature data indicating that ticlopidine is an inhibitor of CYP 2C19. The present studies demonstrated that ticlopidine is selective for CYP 2C19 within the CYP 2C subfamily. UV-visible studies on the interaction of a series of ticlopidine derivatives with CYP 2C19 showed that ticlopidine binds to the CYP 2C19 active site with a K(s) value of 2.8 +/- 1 microM. Derivatives that do not involve either the o-chlorophenyl substituent, the free tertiary amine function, or the thiophene ring of ticlopidine did not lead to such spectral interactions and failed to inhibit CYP 2C19. Ticlopidine is oxidized by CYP 2C19 with formation of two major metabolites, the keto tautomer of 2-hydroxyticlopidine (1) and the dimers of ticlopidine S-oxide (TSOD) (V(max) = 13 +/- 2 and 0.4 +/- 0.1 min(-1)). During this oxidation, CYP 2C19 was inactivated; the rate of its inactivation was time and ticlopidine concentration dependent. This process meets the chemical and kinetic criteria generally accepted for mechanism-based enzyme inactivation. It occurs in parralel with CYP 2C19-catalyzed oxidation of ticlopidine, is inhibited by an alternative well-known substrate of CYP 2C19, omeprazole, and correlates with the covalent binding of ticlopidine metabolite(s) to proteins. Moreover, CYP 2C19 inactivation is not inhibited by the presence of 5 mM glutathione, suggesting that it is due to an alkylation occurring inside the CYP 2C19 active site. The effects of ticlopidine on CYP 2C19 are very analogous with those previously described for the inactivation of CYP 2C9 by tienilic acid. This suggests that a similar electrophilic intermediate, possibly a thiophene S-oxide, is involved in the inactivation of CYP 2C19 and CYP 2C9 by ticlopidine and tienilic acid, respectively. The kinetic parameters calculated for ticlopidine-dependent inactivation of CYP 2C19, i.e., t(1/2max) = 3.4 min, k(inact) = 3.2 10(-3) s(-1), K(I) = 87 microM, k(inact)/K(I) = 37 L.mol(-1).s(-1), and r (partition ratio) = 26 (in relation with formation of 1 + TSOD), classify ticlopidine as an efficient mechanism-based inhibitor although somewhat less efficient than tienilic acid for CYP 2C9. Importantly, ticlopidine is the first selective mechanism-based inhibitor of human liver CYP 2C19 and should be a new interesting tool for studying the topology of the active site of CYP 2C19.     

Immunohistochemical localization and biological activity of the steroidogenic enzyme cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17, 20-lyase (P450C17) in the frog brain and pituitary

It is now clearly established that the brain has the capability of synthesizing various biologically active steroids including 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17OH-Delta(5)P), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OH-P), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione (Delta(4)). However, the presence, distribution and activity of cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17, 20-lyase (P450(C17)), a key enzyme required for the conversion of pregnenolone (Delta(5)P) and progesterone (P) into these steroids, are poorly documented. Here, we show that P450(C17)-like immunoreactivity is widely distributed in the frog brain and pituitary. Prominent populations of P450(C17)-containing cells were observed in a number nuclei of the telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon and metencephalon, as well as in the pars distalis and pars intermedia of the pituitary. In the brain, P450(C17)-like immunoreactivity was almost exclusively located in neurons. In several hypothalamic nuclei, P450(C17)-positive cell bodies also contained 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-like immunoreactivity. Incubation of telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, metencephalon or pituitary explants with [(3)H]Delta(5)P resulted in the formation of several tritiated steroids including 17OH-Delta(5)P, 17OH-P, DHEA and Delta(4). De novo synthesis of C(21) 17-hydroxysteroids and C(19) ketosteroids was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by ketoconazole, a P450(C17) inhibitor. This is the first detailed immunohistochemical mapping of P450(C17) in the brain and pituitary of any vertebrate. Altogether, the present data provide evidence that CNS neurons and pituitary cells can synthesize androgens.     

Noncoordinate regulation of de novo synthesis of cytochrome P-450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage and cytochrome P-450 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase in mouse Leydig cell cultures: relation to steroid production

The role of cAMP in the regulation of the amount and synthesis of cytochrome P-450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P-450scc) and cytochrome P-450 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase (P-450(17 alpha) was investigated in mouse Leydig cell cultures. In the absence of cAMP, the amount of immunoreactive P-450(17 alpha) decreased to less than 5% by day 4 and was undetectable between days 7 and 11. In contrast, the amount of immunoreactive P-450scc remained relatively constant throughout the same period. Treatment of Leydig cell cultures for 4 days with 0.05 mM 8-bromo-cAMP initiated on day 7 increased the amount of P-450(17 alpha) with relatively little effect on the amount of P-450scc. The rate of de novo synthesis of each of the P-450 enzymes was studied by determining [35S]methionine incorporation into newly synthesized protein. In the absence of cAMP, de novo synthesis of P-450(17 alpha) ceased while the rate of de novo synthesis of P-450scc increased with time in culture between days 2 and 11. Treatment with cAMP initiated on day 7 of culture caused a time-dependent increase in the rate of de novo synthesis of P-450(17 alpha) on days 9 and 11 equivalent to 40% and 60%, respectively, of that observed in freshly isolated Leydig cells. The rate of de novo synthesis of P-450scc was increased 2-fold relative to untreated cultures on days 9 and 11. De novo synthesis of P-450(17 alpha) ceased when cAMP was removed on day 11 and restored when cAMP was added again on day 13 of culture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Baboon cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17).

Human cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase (CYP17) catalyses not only the 17alpha-hydroxlation of pregnenolone and progesterone and the C17,20-side chain cleavage (lyase) of 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, necessary for the biosynthesis of C21-glucocorticoids and C19-androgens, but also catalyses the 16alpha-hydroxylation of progesterone. In efforts to understand the complex enzymology of CYP17, structure/function relationships have been reported previously after expressing recombinant DNAs, encoding CYP17 from various species, in nonsteroidogenic mammalian or yeast cells. A major difference between species resides in the lyase activity towards the hydroxylated intermediates and in the fact that the secretion of C19-steroids take place, in some species, principally in the gonads. Because human and higher primate adrenals secrete steroids, CYP17 has been characterized in the Cape baboon, a species more closely related to humans, in an effort to gain a further understanding of the reactions catalysed by CYP17. Baboon and human CYP17 cDNA share 96% homology. Baboon CYP17 has apparent Km and V values for pregnenolone and progesterone of 0.9 micro m and 0.4 nmol.h-1.mg protein-1 and 6.5 micro m and 3.9 nmol.h-1.mg protein-1, respectively. Baboon CYP17 had a significantly higher activity for progesterone hydroxylation relative to pregnenolone. No 16alpha-hydroxylase and no lyase activity for 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone. Sequence analyses showed that there are 28 different amino acid residues between human and baboon CYP17, primarily in helices F and G and the F-G loop.     

Ovine steroid 17alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450: characteristics of the hydroxylase and lyase activities of the adrenal cortex enzyme

The steroid 17-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (CYP17) found in mammalian adrenal and gonadal tissues typically exhibits not only steroid 17-hydroxylase activity but also C-17,20-lyase activity. These two reactions, catalyzed by CYP17, allow for the biosynthesis of the glucocorticoids in the adrenal cortex, as a result of the 17-hydroxylase activity, and for the biosynthesis of androgenic C(19) steroids in the adrenal cortex and gonads as a result of the additional lyase activity. A major difference between species with regard to adrenal steroidogenesis resides in the lyase activity of CYP17 toward the hydroxylated intermediates and in the fact that the secretion of C(19) steroids takes place, in some species, exclusively in the gonads. Ovine CYP17 expressed in HEK 293 cells converts progesterone to 17-hydroxyprogesterone and pregnenolone to dehydroepiandrosterone via 17-hydroxypregnenolone. In ovine adrenal microsomes, minimal if any lyase activity was observed toward either progesterone or pregnenolone. Others have demonstrated the involvement of cytochrome b(5) in the augmentation of CYP17 lyase activity. Although the presence of cytochrome b(5) in ovine adrenocortical microsomes was established, ovine adrenal microsomes did not convert pregnenolone or 17-hydroxypregnenolone to dehydroepiandrosterone. Furthermore the addition of purified ovine cytochrome b(5) to ovine adrenal microsomes did not promote lyase activity. We conclude that, in the ovine adrenal cortex, factors other than cytochrome b(5) influence the lyase activity of ovine CYP17.     

Side-chain cleavage of C21 steroids by testicular microsomal cytochrome P-450 (17 alpha-hydroxylase/lyase): involvement of heme

The two steps in the side-chain cleavage of C21 steroids to give C19 steroids (i.e. 17 alpha-hydroxylation and C17,20 lyase activity) were examined using a highly purified cytochrome P-450 from microsomes of neonatal pig testis to determine the photochemical action spectra for the two reactions. Photochemical action spectra, using either 4-ene (progesterone) or 5-ene (pregnenolone) substrates, showed maximal reversal of inhibition by CO with light of 451 nm. Evidently the heme of cytochrome P-450 is involved in both 17 alpha-hydroxylation and in C17,20-lyase activity as in the case of the side-chain cleavage of cholesterol. Mechanisms proposed to account for enzymatic cleavage of the alpha-ketol side-chain of C21 steroids (C17,20 lyase activity) must be consistent with these findings.     

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.     

Interaction of steroids with adrenal cytochrome P-450 (P-450(17)alpha,lyase) in liposome membranes

Purified cytochrome P-450(17)alpha,lyase from guinea-pig adrenal microsomes, which catalyzes progesterone 17 alpha-hydroxylation and sequentially C17-C20 bond cleavage of the 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, was successfully incorporated into liposomal membranes composed of only phosphatidylcholine or of a phospholipid mixture of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine at a molar ratio of 5:3:1. Although the purified P-450(17)alpha,lyase was readily converted into P-420 in the detergent-solubilized system without substrates, the P-450 embedded in the liposomal membranes was found to be quite stable without the substrates. Using the P-450(17)alpha,lyase-proteoliposomes, the interaction of steroids with P-450(17)alpha,lyase was studied for progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione in the liposomal system by optical difference spectroscopy and by equilibrium dialysis. The partition coefficients of steroids between the aqueous phase and the liposomal membranes were determined by the equilibrium dialysis. They were about 1.4-1.6-times higher in phosphatidylcholine liposomes than in the liposomes of the lipid mixture. The dissociation constants of the P-450-steroid complexes were calculated from the apparent dissociation constants using the partition coefficients for the situation where the substrate-binding site faces the lipid phase of the membranes or where it faces the aqueous phase. The dissociation constant in the former case was not affected by the lipid composition. These results suggest that P-450(17)alpha,lyase might interact only with the substrates in the lipid phase of the liposomal membranes.     

22-thio-23,24-bisnor-5-cholen-3 beta-ol: an active site-directed inhibitor of cytochrome P450scc

The title compound (22-Thiol) was prepared from the 22-hydroxy derivative via the isothiouronium salt. Using purified enzyme components from bovine adrenocortical mitochondria, 22-Thiol was found to be a potent, competitive inhibitor (Ki = 0.7 microM) of cholesterol side chain cleavage. Spectral studies showed that binding of 22-Thiol to cytochrome P450scc produces changes characteristic of sulfur coordination to the heme-iron, suggesting that its high affinity arises from a dual interaction with the cholesterol binding site and the heme. Together with previous results obtained with 22-amino and 22-hydroxy analogues, these findings provide support for the proximity of C-22 and the heme-iron of cytochrome P450scc in the enzyme-substrate complex.     

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.     

Novel steroidal vinyl fluorides as inhibitors of steroid C17(20) lyase

20-fluoro-17(20)-pregnenolone derivatives were designed as enol mimics of pregnenolone. All of the targeted, novel fluoroolefins were potent inhibitors of C17(20) lyase.     

Oxidation of 17alpha,20beta- and 17alpha,20alpha-dihydroxysipregn-4-en-ones--side products of biotransformation of progesterone by recombinant microorganisms expressing cytochrome P45017alpha

Progesterone biotransformation with recombinant yeast Yarrowia lipolytica E129A15 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae GRF18/YEp5117 alpha expressing bovine adrenocortical cytochrome P45017 alpha yielded 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and two diols, 17 alpha, 20 beta- and 17 alpha, 20 alpha-dihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one. The oxidation of mixtures of the three steroids with chromic acid resulted in the cleavage of 17-20 bonds in the diols with the formation of androst-4-ene-3,17-dione. The biotransformation of pregn-4-ene-20 beta-ol-3-one by means of Y. lipolytica E129A15 was accompanied by the following reactions: the primary oxidation of these compounds to progesterone and the subsequent successive reactions of 17 alpha-hydroxylation and 20 alpha- and 20 beta-reduction. The results widen the possibilities for enzymatic and chemical modifications of steroids. The English version of the paper: Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 2003, vol. 29, no. 6; see also http://www.maik.ru.