Monkey P450 Research Articles

Survey of Drug Oxidation Activities in Hepatic and Intestinal Microsomes of Individual Common Marmosets, a New Nonhuman Primate Animal Model.

Background: Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are potentially useful non-human primate models for preclinical studies. Information for major drug-metabolizing cyto-chrome P450 (P450) enzymes is now available that supports the use of this primate species as an animal model for drug development. Here, we collect and provide an overview of infor-mation on the activities of common marmoset hepatic and intestinal microsomes with respect to 28 typical human P450 probe oxidations.Results: Marmoset P450 2D6/8-dependent R-metoprolol O-demethylation activities in hepatic microsomes were significantly correlated with those of midazolam 1′- and 4-hydroxylations, testosterone 6β-hydroxylation, and progesterone 6β-hydroxylation, which are probe reactions for marmoset P450 3A4/5/90. In marmosets, the oxidation activities of hepatic microsomes and intestinal microsomes were roughly comparable for midazolam and terfenadine. Overall, multiple forms of marmoset P450 enzymes in livers and intestines had generally similar sub-strate recognition functionalities to those of human and/or cynomolgus monkey P450 enzymes.Conclusion: The marmoset could be a model animal for humans with respect to the first-pass extraction of terfenadine and related substrates. These findings provide a foundation for un-derstanding individual pharmacokinetic and toxicological results in nonhuman primates as pre-clinical models and will help to further support understanding of the molecular mechanisms of human P450 function.

Marmoset cytochrome P450 2B6, a propofol hydroxylase expressed in liver

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a useful experimental animal to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of drug candidates. Cytochrome P450 (P450) 2B enzyme in marmoset livers has been identified; however, only limited information on the enzymatic properties and distribution has been available.Marmoset P450 2B6 amino acids showed high sequence identities (>86%) with those of primates including humans and cynomolgus monkeys. Phylogenetic analysis using amino acid sequences indicated that marmoset P450 2B6 was closer to human and cynomolgus monkey P450 2B6 than to P450 2B orthologs of other species, including pigs, dogs, rabbits and rodents.Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis using specific primers showed P450 2B6 mRNA predominantly expressed in livers among the five marmoset tissues, similar to those of humans and cynomolgus monkeys.Marmoset P450 2B6 heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli membranes oxidized 7-ethoxycoumarin, pentoxyresorufin, propofol and testosterone, at roughly similar rates to those of humans and/or cynomolgus monkeys. A high capacity of marmoset P450 2B6 with propofol 4-hydroxylation (at low ionic strength conditions) with a low Km value was relatively comparable to that for marmoset livers.These results collectively indicated a high propofol 4-hydroxylation activity of P450 2B6 expressed in marmoset livers.

Marmoset pulmonary cytochrome P450 2F1 oxidizes biphenyl and 7-ethoxycoumarin and hepatic human P450 substrates

1. A potentially useful animal model for preclinical studies is the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). In this study, using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction from marmoset livers, we identified a novel cytochrome P450 (P450) 2F1 cDNA with an open reading frame of 1473 bp.2. High sequence identities of 92-94% with primate P450 2 F amino acid sequences were indicated by deduced amino acid sequences of P450 2F1 cDNA. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that marmoset P450 2F1 is more congruent with primate P450 2 F forms than those of other species such as rodents.3. Among five tissue types examined, abundant expression of marmoset P450 2F1 mRNA and P450 2F1 protein in lungs was shown. Cynomolgus monkey P450 2F1 mRNA was abundantly expressed in lungs as well as testes and ovaries in 10 tissue types.4. Similar to those of humans and cynomolgus monkeys, marmoset P450 2F1 heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli membranes efficiently catalyzed 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation and biphenyl hydroxylation, however unlike human P450 2F1, marmoset P450 2F1 exhibited hydroxylation activity toward coumarin and chlorzoxazone.5. These findings indicated that P450 2F1 enzyme expressed in marmoset lungs and also catalyzed metabolism of xenobiotics, suggesting the importance of P450 2 F-dependent drug metabolism in marmoset lungs.

Strong Induction of Cytochrome P450 1A/3A, But not P450 2B, in Cultured Hepatocytes from Common Marmosets and Cynomolgus Monkeys by Typical Human P450 Inducing Agents.

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) are used as non-human primate models in preclinical studies for drug development. The assessment of P450 induction in hepatocytes from marmosets and cynomolgus monkeys was performed using typical P450 inducers. Induction of cytochrome P450 1-4 family enzymes was analyzed in two lots of cultured hepatocytes from common marmosets and cynomolgus monkeys after 24-h treatment with typical human P450 inducing agents by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Marmoset P450 3A4 mRNA and P450 2C8/2C19 mRNA in hepatocytes were strongly (>10- fold) and weakly (>2) induced by rifampicin, respectively. Marmoset 1A1 and 1A2 mRNA were induced strongly (>200-fold) by β-naphthoflavone and omeprazole. Marmoset P450 2B6 mRNA was induced (~5-fold) by a constitutive androstane receptor agonist, but not by phenobarbital. Cynomolgus monkey P450 3A4 mRNA and P450 1A1 mRNA in cultured hepatocytes were also induced by rifampicin and omeprazole, respectively, but P450 2B6 mRNA was not induced by phenobarbital. These results indicate that P450 1A/3A induction by typical human P450 inducers in hepatocytes from marmosets and/or cynomolgus monkeys are similar to those of humans (except for P450 2B induction by phenobarbital in humans), suggesting that marmosets and cynomolgus monkeys might be suitable models for evaluating the drug interactions in preclinical studies.

Marmoset Cytochrome P450 3A4 Ortholog Expressed in Liver and Small-Intestine Tissues Efficiently Metabolizes Midazolam, Alprazolam, Nifedipine, and Testosterone.

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), small New World primates, are increasingly attracting attention as potentially useful animal models for drug development. However, characterization of cytochrome P450 (P450) 3A enzymes involved in the metabolism of a wide variety of drugs has not investigated in marmosets. In this study, sequence homology, tissue distribution, and enzymatic properties of marmoset P450 3A4 ortholog, 3A5 ortholog, and 3A90 were investigated. Marmoset P450 3A forms exhibited high amino acid sequence identities (88-90%) to the human and cynomolgus monkey P450 3A orthologs and evolutionary closeness to human and cynomolgus monkey P450 3A orthologs compared with other P450 3A enzymes. Among the five marmoset tissues examined, P450 3A4 ortholog mRNA was abundant in livers and small intestines where P450 3A4 ortholog proteins were immunologically detected. Three marmoset P450 3A proteins heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli membranes catalyzed midazolam 1'- and 4-hydroxylation, alprazolam 4-hydroxylation, nifedipine oxidation, and testosterone 6β-hydroxylation, similar to cynomolgus monkey and human P450 3A enzymes. Among the marmoset P450 3A enzymes, P450 3A4 ortholog effectively catalyzed midazolam 1'-hydroxylation, comparable to microsomes from marmoset livers and small intestines. Correlation analyses with 23 individual marmoset liver microsomes suggested contributions of P450 3A enzymes to 1'-hydroxylation of both midazolam (human P450 3A probe) and bufuralol (human P450 2D6 probe), similar to cynomolgus monkey P450 3A enzymes. These results indicated that marmoset P450 3A forms had functional characteristics roughly similar to cynomolgus monkeys and humans in terms of tissue expression patterns and catalytic activities, suggesting marmosets as suitable animal models for P450 3A-dependent drug metabolism.

Human and monkey P450 metabolism for human-specific metabolite formation

Human and monkey P450 metabolism for human-specific metabolite formation

Oxidation of R- and S-omeprazole stereoselectively mediated by liver microsomal cytochrome P450 2C19 enzymes from cynomolgus monkeys and common marmosets

Racemic omeprazole has been used for clinically treating gastric acid-related diseases and also as a typical human cytochrome P450 (P450) 2C19 probe substrate in preclinical studies. S-Omeprazole has been developed as a single enantiomer medicine, which has been reported not to be associated with polymorphic human P450 2C19 phenotypes. In this study, 5-hydroxylation and sulfoxidation activities, with respect to stereoselective R- and S-omeprazole oxidations by liver microsomes from experimental animals including non-human primates and humans, were investigated in vitro. Liver microsomes from humans, cynomolgus monkeys, and mice preferentially mediated R-omeprazole 5-hydroxylations, however those from marmosets, minipigs, dogs, and rats preferentially mediated S-omeprazole 5-hydroxylations. High catalytic activities were observed for recombinant human P450 2C19 in R-omeprazole 5-hydroxlations, cynomolgus monkey P450 2C19 in both R- and S-omeprazole 5-hydroxlations, and marmoset P450 2C19 in S-omeprazole 5-hydroxlations. On the other hand, human, cynomolgus monkey, and marmoset P450 3A enzymes preferentially mediated S-omeprazole sulfoxidations. Correlation and kinetic analyses revealed a high affinity of polymorphic cynomolgus monkey and marmoset liver microsomal P450 2C19 enzymes with respect to R- and S-omeprazole 5-hydroxylations, respectively, and a high capacity of cynomolgus monkey and marmoset liver microsomal P450 3A4 for omeprazole 5-hydroxylations and sulfoxidations. R-and S-omeprazole 5-hydroxylation activities in cynomolgus monkey and marmoset liver microsomes were significantly different among wild-type, heterozygous, and homozygous animals genotyped for cynomolgus monkey P450 2C19 p.[(Phe100Asn; Ala103Val; Ile112Leu)] and for marmoset P450 2C19 p.[(Phe7Leu; Ser254Leu; Ile469Thr)], respectively. The results of this study demonstrate polymorphic cynomolgus monkey and marmoset P450 2C19-dependent omeprazole oxidation activities with individual variations similar to humans.

In vivo individual variations in pharmacokinetics of efavirenz in cynomolgus monkeys genotyped for cytochrome P450 2C9.

Cynomolgus monkeys are used frequently in preclinical studies for new drug development due to their evolutionary closeness to humans. An antiretroviral drug, efavirenz, is a typical probe substrate for human cytochrome P450 (P450) 2B6, but is mainly metabolized by cynomolgus monkey P450 2C9. In this study, plasma concentrations of efavirenz were assessed in six cynomolgus monkeys genotyped for P450 2C9 c.334A>C (I112L) (three wild-type, one heterozygote and two homozygotes) by high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. After intravenous administration at a dose of 1.0mg/kg, biphasic plasma elimination curves of efavirenz were seen in these cynomolgus monkeys. The mean plasma concentration of the primary metabolite 8-hydroxyefavirenz (1h after treatment, with hydrolysis by β-glucuronidase) in the wild-type group was significantly higher (4.0-fold) than the combined heterozygous and homozygous group mean. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve value of efavirenz in the homozygous group after oral administration at a dose of 2.0mg/kg was significantly higher (2.0-fold) than the combined wild-type and heterozygous group. These results collectively indicated that P450 2C9 c.334A>C (I112L) variation was associated with efavirenz metabolic clearance in vivo. Cynomolgus P450 2C9 polymorphism might account for interindividual variations of efavirenz metabolism in cynomolgus monkeys. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Marmoset cytochrome P450 4A11, a novel arachidonic acid and lauric acid ω-hydroxylase expressed in liver and kidney tissues

1. A cDNA encoding novel cytochrome P450 (P450) 4A enzyme was cloned from marmoset livers by reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on the marmoset genome sequences. The amino acid sequence deduced from P450 4A11 cDNA contained consensus sequences of six substrate recognition sites and one heme-binding domain.2. Marmoset P450 4A11, highly identical (85–88%) to cynomolgus monkey and human P450 4A enzymes, was grouped into the same cluster as cynomolgus monkey and human P450 4A enzymes by phylogenetic analysis.3. The tissue distribution analyses by real-time RT PCR and immunoblotting demonstrated that marmoset P450 4A11 mRNA and proteins were expressed in kidneys and livers. Marmoset P450 4A11 enzyme heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli preferentially catalyzed the ω-hydroxylation of arachidonic acid and lauric acid, similar to cynomolgus monkey and human P450 4A11 enzymes. However, lauric acid ω-hydroxylation activity of marmoset P450 4A11 was low compared with those of marmoset liver microsomes.4. These results indicated that novel marmoset P450 4A11 was also a fatty acid ω-hydroxylase expressed in kidneys and livers, with the same regioselectivity (at ω-position of fatty acid) as cynomolgus monkey and human P450 4A enzymes.

A New Marmoset P450 4F12 Enzyme Expressed in Small Intestines and Livers Efficiently Metabolizes Antihistaminic Drug Ebastine.

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are attracting attention as animal models in preclinical studies for drug development. However, cytochrome P450s (P450s), major drug-metabolizing enzymes, have not been fully identified and characterized in marmosets. In this study, based on the four novel P450 4F genes found on the marmoset genome, we successfully isolated P450 4F2, 4F3B, 4F11, and 4F12 cDNAs in marmoset livers. Deduced amino acid sequences of the four marmoset P450 4F forms exhibited high sequence identities (87%-93%) to the human and cynomolgus monkey P450 4F homologs. Marmoset P450 4F3B and 4F11 mRNAs were predominantly expressed in livers, whereas marmoset P450 4F2 and 4F12 mRNAs were highly expressed in small intestines and livers. Four marmoset P450 4F proteins heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli catalyzed the ω-hydroxylation of leukotriene B4 In addition, marmoset P450 4F12 effectively catalyzed the hydroxylation of antiallergy drug ebastine, a human P450 2J/4F probe substrate. Ebastine hydroxylation activities by small intestine and liver microsomes from marmosets and cynomolgus monkeys showed greatly higher values than those of humans. Ebastine hydroxylation activities by marmoset and cynomolgus monkey small intestine microsomes were inhibited (approximately 60%) by anti-P450 4F antibodies, unlike human small intestine microsomes, suggesting that contribution of P450 4F enzymes for ebastine hydroxylation in the small intestine might be different between marmosets/cynomolgus monkeys and humans. These results indicated that marmoset P450 4F2, 4F3B, 4F11, and 4F12 were expressed in livers and/or small intestines and were functional in the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous compounds, similar to those of cynomolgus monkeys and humans.

Marmoset cytochrome P450 2J2 mainly expressed in small intestines and livers effectively metabolizes human P450 2J2 probe substrates, astemizole and terfenadine

1. Common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a New World Monkey, has potential to be a useful animal model in preclinical studies. However, drug metabolizing properties have not been fully understood due to insufficient information on cytochrome P450 (P450), major drug metabolizing enzymes.2. Marmoset P450 2J2 cDNA was isolated from marmoset livers. The deduced amino acid sequence showed a high-sequence identity (91%) with cynomolgus monkey and human P450 2J2 enzymes. A phylogenetic tree revealed that marmoset P450 2J2 was evolutionarily closer to cynomolgus monkey and human P450 2J2 enzymes, than P450 2J forms in pigs, rabbits, rats or mice.3. Marmoset P450 2J2 mRNA was abundantly expressed in the small intestine and liver, and to a lesser extent in the brain, lung and kidney. Immunoblot analysis also showed expression of marmoset P450 2J2 protein in the small intestine and liver.4. Enzyme assays using marmoset P450 2J2 protein heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli indicated that marmoset P450 2J2 effectively catalyzed astemizole O-demethylation and terfenadine t-butyl hydroxylation, similar to human and cynomolgus monkey P450 2J2 enzymes.5. These results suggest the functional characteristics of P450 2J2 enzymes are similar among marmosets, cynomolgus monkeys and humans.

Caffeine 7-N-demethylation and C-8-oxidation mediated by liver microsomal cytochrome P450 enzymes in common marmosets

1. 3-N-Demethylation of caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is mediated by human cytochrome P450 1A2, whereas 7-N-demethylation and C-8-hydroxylation are reportedly catalyzed by monkey P450 2C9 and rat P450 1A2, respectively.2. Roles of marmoset P450 enzymes in caffeine oxidation were investigated using nine marmoset liver microsomes and 14 recombinantly expressed marmoset P450 enzymes.3. Predominant caffeine 7-N-demethylation and C-8-hydroxylation activities in marmoset liver microsomes were moderately (r = 0.78, p < 0.05) and highly (r = 0.82, p < 0.01) correlated with midazolam 1′-hydroxylation activities, respectively, while the former was not strongly affected by ketoconazole or α-naphthoflavone.4. Caffeine C-8-hydroxylation in liver microsomes was inhibited by ketoconazole and activated by α-naphthoflavone, suggesting main involvements of P450 3As.5. Recombinant marmoset P450 3As had high Vmax/Km values for C-8-hydroxylation, comparable to Km values for marmoset liver microsomes. Marmoset P450 1As efficiently mediated caffeine 3-N-demethylation and C-8-hydroxylation with apparently lower Km values than those of liver microsomes.6. These results collectively suggest highly active marmoset P450 3A enzymes toward caffeine 8-hydorxylaiton and involvement of multiple P450 isoforms including P450 1A in caffeine 7-N- and 3-N-demethylations in marmoset livers. Marmoset P450s have slightly different properties to human or monkey P450s regarding caffeine metabolic pathways.

Substrate Selectivities and Catalytic Activities of Marmoset Liver Cytochrome P450 2A6 Differed from Those of Human P450 2A6.

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a New World primate species, is potentially a useful animal model for preclinical studies in drug development. However, cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes have not been fully identified and characterized in marmosets. In this study, we identified P450 2A6 cDNA with the sequence highly identical (91-94%) to human P450 2A6, 2A7, and 2A13 cDNA and cynomolgus monkey P450 2A23, 2A24, and 2A26 cDNA. Among the tissue types examined, marmoset P450 2A6 mRNA was most abundantly expressed in livers where P450 2A6 protein was also detected by immunoblotting. Phylogenetic analysis showed that marmoset P450 2A6 was more closely clustered with human and cynomolgus monkey P450 2As than P450 2As of dog, rat, and mouse (the species also used in drug metabolism). Marmoset P450 2A6 heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli membranes efficiently catalyzed 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation, similar to human P450 2A6 and 2A13 and cynomolgus monkey P450 2A23, 2A24, and 2A26, but much less effectively coumarin 7-hydroxylation, showing some difference as well. Interestingly, marmoset P450 2A6 and cynomolgus monkey P450 2A23 catalyzed phenacetin O-deethylation, which is catalyzed by human P450 1A2 and 2A13, but not by P450 2A6. Marmoset P450 2A6 also exhibited catalytic activity toward testosterone by the multiple sites, but not rat P450 2A-specific testosterone 7α-hydroxylation activity. These results indicated that marmoset P450 2A6 had functional characteristics different from those of human and cynomolgus monkey P450 2As in terms of partially different substrate specificities and catalytic activities, indicating its importance of further studies for P450 2A-dependent drug metabolism in marmosets.

Monkey liver cytochrome P450 2C9 is involved in caffeine 7-N-demethylation to form theophylline

1. Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a phenotyping substrate for human cytochrome P450 1A2. 3-N-Demethylation of caffeine is the main human metabolic pathway, whereas monkeys extensively mediate the 7-N-demethylation of caffeine to form pharmacological active theophylline.2. Roles of monkey P450 enzymes in theophylline formation from caffeine were investigated using individual monkey liver microsomes and 14 recombinantly expressed monkey P450 enzymes, and the results were compared with those for human P450 enzymes.3. Caffeine 7-N-demethylation activity in microsomes from 20 monkey livers was not strongly inhibited by α-naphthoflavone, quinidine or ketoconazole, and was roughly correlated with diclofenac 4′-hydroxylation activities. Monkey P450 2C9 had the highest activity for caffeine 7-N-demethylation. Kinetic analysis revealed that monkey P450 2C9 had a high Vmax/Km value for caffeine 7-N-demethylation, comparable to low Km value for monkey liver microsomes. Caffeine could dock favorably with monkey P450 2C9 modeled for 7-N-demethylation and with human P450 1A2 for 3-N-demethylation.4. The primary metabolite theophylline was oxidized to 8-hydroxytheophylline in similar ways by liver microsomes and by recombinant P450s in both humans and monkeys.5. These results collectively suggest a high activity for monkey liver P450 2C9 toward caffeine 7-N-demethylation, whereas, in humans, P450 1A2-mediated caffeine 3-N-demethylation is dominant.

Monkey liver cytochrome P450 2C19 is involved in R- and S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation

Cynomolgus monkeys are widely used as primate models in preclinical studies. However, some differences are occasionally seen between monkeys and humans in the activities of cytochrome P450 enzymes. R- and S-warfarin are model substrates for stereoselective oxidation in humans. In this current research, the activities of monkey liver microsomes and 14 recombinantly expressed monkey cytochrome P450 enzymes were analyzed with respect to R- and S-warfarin 6- and 7-hydroxylation. Monkey liver microsomes efficiently mediated both R- and S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation, in contrast to human liver microsomes, which preferentially catalyzed S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation. R-Warfarin 7-hydroxylation activities in monkey liver microsomes were not inhibited by α-naphthoflavone or ketoconazole, and were roughly correlated with P450 2C19 levels and flurbiprofen 4-hydroxylation activities in microsomes from 20 monkey livers. In contrast, S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation activities were not correlated with the four marker drug oxidation activities used. Among the 14 recombinantly expressed monkey P450 enzymes tested, P450 2C19 had the highest activities for R- and S-warfarin 7-hydroxylations. Monkey P450 3A4 and 3A5 slowly mediated R- and S-warfarin 6-hydroxylations. Kinetic analysis revealed that monkey P450 2C19 had high Vmax and low Km values for R-warfarin 7-hydroxylation, comparable to those for monkey liver microsomes. Monkey P450 2C19 also mediated S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation with Vmax and Vmax/Km values comparable to those for recombinant human P450 2C9. R-warfarin could dock favorably into monkey P450 2C19 modeled. These results collectively suggest high activities for monkey liver P450 2C19 toward R- and S-warfarin 6- and 7-hydroxylation in contrast to the saturation kinetics of human P450 2C9-mediated S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation.

Characterization of intestinal and hepatic P450 enzymes in cynomolgus monkeys with typical substrates and inhibitors for human P450 enzymes

Cynomolgus monkeys are widely used to predict human pharmacokinetic and/or toxic profiles in the drug developmental stage. Characterization of cynomolgus monkey P450s such as the mRNA expression level, substrate specificity, and inhibitor selectivity were conducted to provide helpful information in designing monkey in vivo studies and monkey-to-human extrapolation.The expression levels of 12 monkey P450 mRNAs, which are considered to be important P450 subfamilies in drug metabolism, were investigated in the liver, small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), and colon of individual monkeys.iIn vitro activities and intrinsic clearance values were determined in monkey intestinal and liver microsomes (MIM and MLM, respectively) using nine typical oxidative reactions for human P450s. Paclitaxel 6α-hydroxylation, diclofenac 4′-hydroxylation, and S-mephenytoin 4′-hydroxylation showed low activities in MIM and MLM.IC50 values of eight selective inhibitors of human P450s were determined in MIM and MLM. Inhibitory effects of furafylline and sulfaphenazole were weak in monkeys on phenacetin O-deethylation and diclofenac 4′-hydroxylation, respectively.These results show profiles of monkey P450s in both the intestine and liver in detail and contribute to a better understanding of the species difference in substrate specificity and inhibitor selectivity between cynomolgus monkeys and humans.

Different Metabolites of Human Hepatotoxic Pyrazolopyrimidine Derivative 5‐n‐Butyl‐Pyrazolo[1,5‐a]Pyrimidine Produced by Human, Rat and Monkey Cytochrome P450 1A2 and Liver Microsomes

Different Metabolites of Human Hepatotoxic Pyrazolopyrimidine Derivative 5‐<i>n</i>‐Butyl‐Pyrazolo[1,5‐<i>a</i>]Pyrimidine Produced by Human, Rat and Monkey Cytochrome P450 1A2 and Liver Microsomes

Species Difference between Cynomolgus Monkeys and Humans on Cytochromes P450 2D and 3A-Dependent Drug Oxidation Activities in Liver Microsomes

Cynomolgus monkeys [Macaca fascicularis (mf)] are widely used to determine pharmacokinetics and toxicological potential of many drug candidates as human models in the drug discovery and development. Cytochrome P450s (P450, CYP), one of the most important enzymes in drug metabolism, in monkey livers are generally similar to corresponding human P450s exhibiting high degrees of homologies in cDNAs and amino acid sequences. Species differences regarding important liver P450 3A and 2D function were examined between cynomolgus monkeys and humans using typical human P450 probe reactions using midazolam (a P450 3A marker), dextromethorphan and bufuralol (P450 2D markers). P450 3A-mediated midazolam 1'-hydroxylation activities in liver microsomes from individual monkey were highly correlated with midazolam 4'-hydroxylation activities but not correlated with dextromethorphan N-demethylation activities. Recombinant monkey CYP2D17 and CYP2D44 catalyzed dextromethorphan O- and N-demethylations as well as monkey mfCYP3A4 and mfCYP3A5 did. On the other hand, contributions of corresponding P450 2D6 and P450 3A4/5 to dextromethorphan N- and O-demethylations, in human liver microsomes were negligible under the present conditions. From these results, monkey P450 2D and 3A enzymes might have broader substrate specificity toward dextromethorphan oxidation than those in human livers. Special attention should be paid when enzymatic and pharmacokinetic data are extrapolated from monkeys to humans.

Comparison of Cytochrome P450 3A Enzymes in Cynomolgus Monkeys and Humans

Drug metabolizing activities of cytochromes P450 (P450s, or CYPs) 3A4 and 3A5 in liver microsomes from the cynomolgus monkey [Macaca fascicularis (mf)] were investigated and compared with those of human P450 3A enzymes. Low activities for dealkylation of ethoxyresorufin and pentoxyresorufin were seen in recombinant monkey mfCYP3A4 and mfCYP3A5 and in recombinant human CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 expressed in bacterial membranes. Hydroxylation activities of mfCYP3A4 and mfCYP3A5 toward coumarin, paclitaxel, diclofenac, flurbiprofen, and S-mephenytoin were below detectable levels, as was also true for CYP3A4 and CYP3A5. Monkey mfCYP3A5 and mfCYP3A4 were highly active in bufuralol 1'-hydroxylation. mfCYP3A5 was efficient at dextromethorphan O-demethylation, although human CYP3A5 was unable to catalyze this reaction. Apparent bufuralol 1'-hydroxylation and dextromethorphan O-demethylation activities of monkey liver microsomes were higher than those of human liver microsomes, possibly because of contributions of mfCYP3A5 to these P450 2D-dependent drug oxidations. mfCYP3A5 and CYP3A5 catalyzed midazolam 1'-hydroxylation at a low substrate concentration more efficiently than the corresponding CYP3A4. mfCYP3A5 had higher testosterone 6beta-hydroxylase activity than mfCYP3A4, but the reverse relationship was observed in oxidation of nifedipine and hydroxylation of dexamethasone. These results demonstrate that monkey P450 3A enzymes have similar substrate selectivity to that of human P450 3A enzymes, but exhibit wider substrate selectivity toward P450 2D substrates.

CYP2C76, a Novel Cytochrome P450 in Cynomolgus Monkey, Is a Major CYP2C in Liver, Metabolizing Tolbutamide and Testosterone

Monkeys are widely used as a primate model to study drug metabolism because they generally show a metabolic pattern similar to humans. However, the paucity of information on cytochrome P450 (P450) genes has hampered a deep understanding of drug metabolism in the monkey. In this study, we report identification of the CYP2C76 cDNA newly identified in cynomolgus monkey and characterization of this CYP2C along with cynomolgus CYP2C20, CYP2C43, and CYP2C75. The CYP2C76 cDNA contains the open reading frame encoding a protein of 489 amino acids that are only approximately 80% identical to any human or monkey P450 cDNAs. Gene and protein expression of CYP2C76 was confirmed in the liver of cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys but not in humans or the great apes. Moreover, CYP2C76 is located at the end of the CYP2C gene cluster in the monkey genome, the region of which corresponds to the intergenic region adjacent to the CYP2C cluster in the human genome, strongly indicating that this gene does not have the ortholog in humans. Among the four CYP2C genes expressing predominantly in the liver, the expression level of CYP2C76 was the greatest, suggesting that CYP2C76 is a major CYP2C in the monkey liver. Assays for the capacity of CYP2C76 to metabolize drugs using several substrates typical for human CYP2Cs revealed that CYP2C76 showed unique metabolic activity. These results suggest that CYP2C76 contributes to overall drug-metabolizing activity in the monkey liver and might account for species difference occasionally seen in drug metabolism between monkeys and humans.