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Mechanistic studies on aromatase and related C---C bond cleaving P-450 enzymes
Authors:Muhammad Akhtar   Vincent C. O. Njar  J. Neville Wright
Affiliation:

Department of Biochemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO9 3TU, England

Abstract:Some P-450 systems, notably aromatase and 14-demethylase catalyse not only the hydroxylate reaction but also the oxidation of an alcohol into a carbonyl compound as well as a C---C bond cleavage process. All these reactions occur at the same active site. A somewhat analogous situation is noted with 17-hydroxylase-17,20-lyase that participates in hydroxylation as well as C---C bond cleavage process. The C---C bond cleavage reactions catalysed by the above enzymes conform to the general equation:

It is argued that all three types of reaction catalyzed by these enzymes may be viewed as variations on a common theme. In P-450 dependent hydroxylation the initially formed FeIII---O---O. species is converted into FeIII---O---OH and the heterolysis of the oxygen—oxygen bond of the latter then gives the oxo-derivative for which a number of canonical structures are possible; for example FeV = O ↔ (+.)FeIV = O ↔ FeIV---O.. One of these, FeIV---O. behaves like an alkoxyl radical and participates in hydrogen abstraction from C---H bond to produce FeIV---OH and carbon radical. The latter is then quenched by the delivery of hydroxyl radical from FeIV---OH. The latter species may thus be regarded as a carrier of hydroxyl radical. We have proposed that the C---C bond cleavage reaction occurs through the participation of the FeIII---O---OH species that is trapped by the electrophilic property of the carbonyl compound giving a peroxide adduct that fragments to produce an acyl—carbon cleavage. Scientific developments leading up to this conclusion are considered. In the first author's views,

“The study of mechanisms is not a scientific but a cultural activity. Mechanisms do not aim at an absolute truth but are intended to be a “running” commentary on the status of knowledge in a field. As the structural knowledge in a field advances Mechanisms evolve to take note of the new findings. Just as a constructive “running” commentary provides the stimulus for higher standards of performance, so Mechanisms call for better and firmer structural information from their practitioners”.

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