Mechanism of intermolecular interactions of microsomal cytochrome P450s CYP17 and CYP21 involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis

Biochemistry (Mosc). 2012 Jun;77(6):585-92. doi: 10.1134/S0006297912060041.

Abstract

Protein-protein interactions play a significant role in regulation of functional activity of cytochrome P450s. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the molecular interactions between steroidogenic enzymes CYP17 and CYP21 localized in endoplasmic reticulum membranes of adrenal cortex and involved in biosynthesis of corticosteroid hormones. In the present work, we demonstrate for the first time the direct interaction at molecular level between highly purified human recombinant cytochrome P450s in a mixed reconstituted system. The dependence of the interaction between CYP17 and CYP21 on concentration of the redox-partner - NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase - is demonstrated, and it is shown that electrostatic interactions play a crucial role in the interaction between CYP17 and CYP21.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex / enzymology
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / biosynthesis*
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism*
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli
  • Humans
  • NADPH-Ferrihemoprotein Reductase / metabolism
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Interaction Mapping
  • Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase / metabolism*
  • Steroid 21-Hydroxylase / metabolism*
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
  • Steroid 21-Hydroxylase
  • Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase
  • NADPH-Ferrihemoprotein Reductase