Biotransformation cytochromes

Cytochrome P450 2C9 is a mixed-function oxidase localized in the endoplasmic reticulum which is responsible for the biotransformation of several nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory diugs, S-warfarin, several sulfonylurea antidiabetics and other diugs. 

The metabolism of foreign compounds (xenobiotics) often takes place in two consecutive reactions, classically referred to as phases one and two. Phase I is a functionalization of the lipophilic compound that can be used to attach a conjugate in Phase II. The conjugated product is usually sufficiently water-soluble to be excretable into the urine. The most important biotransformations of Phase I are aromatic and aliphatic hydroxylations catalyzed by cytochromes P450. Other Phase I enzymes are for example epoxide hydrolases or carboxylesterases. Typical Phase II enzymes are UDP-glucuronosyltrans-ferases, sulfotransferases, N-acetyltransferases and methyltransferases e.g. thiopurin S-methyltransferase. 

The numerous biotransformations catalyzed by cytochrome P450 enzymes include aromatic and aliphatic hydroxylations, epoxidations of olefinic and aromatic structures, oxidations and oxidative dealkylations of heteroatoms and as well as some reductive reactions. Cytochromes P450 of higher animals may be classified into two broad categories depending on whether their substrates are primarily endogenous or xenobiotic substances. Thus, CYP enzymes of families 1-3 catalyze... 

Enzyme-mediated chiral sulfoxidation has been reviewed comprehensively in historical context [188-191]. The biotransformation can be mediated by cytochrome P-450 and flavin-dependent MOs, peroxidases, and haloperoxidases. Owing to limited stability and troublesome protein isolation, a majority of biotransformations were reported using whole-cells or crude preparations. In particular, fungi have been identified as valuable sources of such biocatalysts and the catalytic entities have not been fully identified in all cases. 

Picardal FW, RG Arnold, H Couch, AM Little, ME Smith (1993) Involvement of cytochromes in the anaerobic biotransformation of tetrachloromethane by Shewanella putrefaciens 200. Appl Environ Microbiol 59 3763-3770. 

A cytochrome P450 has been purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae that has benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase activity (King et al. 1984), and metabolizes benzo[fl]pyrene to 3- and 9-hydroxybenzo[fl]pyrene and benzo[fl]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol (Wiseman and Woods 1979). The transformation of PAHs by Candida Upolytica produced predominantly monohydroxyl-ated products naphth-l-ol from naphthalene, 4-hydroxybiphenyl from biphenyl and 3- and 9-hydroxybenzo[fl]pyrene from benzo[fl]pyrene (Cerniglia and Crow 1981). The transformation of phenanthrene was demonstrated in a number of yeasts isolated from littoral sediments and of these, Trichosporumpenicillatum was the most active. In contrast, biotransformation of benz[fl]anthracene by Candida krusei and Rhodotorula minuta was much slower (MacGillivray and Shiaris 1993). 

---