Reductase gene sequences and protein structures: p-cymene methyl hydroxylase.

Oxygenases are critical to cycling carbon in the biosphere and dependent on reductase action, principally from flavoprotein enzymes. Oxygenase diversity among organisms and strains carries a common theme of protein sequence and folding. p-Cymene (para-isopropyl toluene) was chosen as a point of convergence in terpene-aromatic mineralization to characterize a methyl hydroxylase electron transport system with the aerobe Pseudomonas aureofaciens. The cymA hydroxylase reductase gene was isolated and sequenced and the protein primary structure deduced. Optimized amino acid sequence alignments of flavoprotein reductases revealed major similarities over protein length, in the binding domains for NAD(P)H, and the flavine centers of pro- and eukaryote systems.

P450 superfamily: update on new sequences, gene mapping, accession numbers and nomenclature.

We provide here a list of 481 P450 genes and 22 pseudogenes, plus all accession numbers that have been reported as of October 18, 1995. These genes have been described in 85 eukaryote (including vertebrates, invertebrates, fungi, and plants) and 20 prokaryote species. Of 74 gene families so far described, 14 families exist in all mammals examined to date. These 14 families comprise 26 mammalian subfamilies, of which 20 and 15 have been mapped in the human genome and the mouse genome, respectively. Each subfamily usually represents a cluster of tightly linked genes widely scattered throughout the genome, but there are exceptions. Interestingly, the CYP51 family has been found in mammals, filamentous fungi and yeast, and plants-attesting to the fact that this P450 gene family is very ancient. One functional CYP51 gene and two processed pseudogenes, which are the first examples of intronless pseudogenes within the P450 superfamily, have been mapped to three different human chromosomes. This revision supersedes the four previous updates in which a nomenclature system, based on divergent evolution of the superfamily, has been described. For the gene, we recommend that the italicized root symbol "CYP' for human ("Cyp' for mouse and Drosophila), representing "cytochrome P450', be followed by an Arabic number denoting the family, a letter designating the subfamily (when two or more exist), and an Arabic numeral representing the individual gene within the subfamily. A hyphen is no longer recommended in mouse gene nomenclature. "P' ("ps' in mouse and Drosophila) after the gene number denotes a pseudogene; "X' after the gene number means its use has been discontinued. If a gene is the sole member of a family, the subfamily letter and gene number would be helpful but need not be included. The human nomenclature system should be used for all species other than mouse and Drosophila. The cDNAs, mRNAs and enzymes in all species (including mouse) should include all capital letters, and without italics or hyphens. This nomenclature system is similar to that proposed in our previous updates.

Cloning and expression of a member of a new cytochrome P-450 family: cytochrome P-450lin (CYP111) from Pseudomonas incognita.

Cytochrome P-450lin catalyzes the 8-methyl hydroxylation of linalool as the first committed step of its utilization by Pseudomonas incognita as the sole carbon source. By using a polymerase chain reaction-based cloning strategy, a 2.1-kb DNA fragment containing the cytochrome P-450lin gene (linC) was isolated. An open reading frame of 406 amino acids has been identified as that of P-450lin on the basis of amino acid sequence data from peptides of the native protein. Heterologous expression of functional holoprotein is exhibited by Escherichia coli transformed with pUC18 containing the subcloned linC gene under constitutive transcriptional control of the lac promoter. The G+C content of linC was found to be 55% overall and 58% in the third codon position. An optimized amino acid sequence alignment of P-450lin with cytochrome P-450cam shows that the two enzymes have only 25% identity. P-450lin was found to exhibit the expected conservation in the axial cysteine heme ligand-containing peptide and the threonine region postulated to form an O2-binding pocket (T. L. Poulos, B. C. Finzel, and A. J. Howard, J. Mol. Biol. 195:687-700, 1987). The low amino acid sequence identity between P-450lin and all other P-450 sequences has shown that P-450lin is the first member of the CYP111 P-450 gene family.

The P450 superfamily: update on new sequences, gene mapping, accession numbers, early trivial names of enzymes, and nomenclature.

We provide here a list of 221 P450 genes and 12 putative pseudogenes that have been characterized as of December 14, 1992. These genes have been described in 31 eukaryotes (including 11 mammalian and 3 plant species) and 11 prokaryotes. Of 36 gene families so far described, 12 families exist in all mammals examined to date. These 12 families comprise 22 mammalian subfamilies, of which 17 and 15 have been mapped in the human and mouse genome, respectively. To date, each subfamily appears to represent a cluster of tightly linked genes. This revision supersedes the previous updates [Nebert et al., DNA 6, 1-11, 1987; Nebert et al., DNA 8, 1-13, 1989; Nebert et al., DNA Cell Biol. 10, 1-14 (1991)] in which a nomenclature system, based on divergent evolution of the superfamily, has been described. For the gene and cDNA, we recommend that the italicized root symbol "CYP" for human ("Cyp" for mouse), representing "cytochrome P450," be followed by an Arabic number denoting the family, a letter designating the subfamily (when two or more exist), and an Arabic numeral representing the individual gene within the subfamily. A hyphen should precede the final number in mouse genes. "P" ("p" in mouse) after the gene number denotes a pseudogene. If a gene is the sole member of a family, the subfamily letter and gene number need not be included. We suggest that the human nomenclature system be used for all species other than mouse. The mRNA and enzyme in all species (including mouse) should include all capital letters, without italics or hyphens. This nomenclature system is identical to that proposed in our 1991 update. Also included in this update is a listing of available data base accession numbers for P450 DNA and protein sequences. We also discuss the likelihood that this ancient gene superfamily has existed for more than 3.5 billion years, and that the rate of P450 gene evolution appears to be quite nonlinear. Finally, we describe P450 genes that have been detected by expressed sequence tags (ESTs), as well as the relationship between the P450 and the nitric oxide synthase gene superfamilies, as a likely example of convergent evolution.

Reconstitution of cytochrome P4502B4 (LM2) activity with camphor and linalool monooxygenase electron donors.

The P4502B4 (LM2) monooxygenase was shown to bind the P450cam and P450lin redoxins with respective dissociation constants of ca. 500 and 100 microM. When the redoxin reductases are added, the heterogeneous complexes demethylate benzphetamine with HCHO yields and Vmax similar to results with the homologous microsomal reductase. Implications of evolutionary conserved P450 redox electron donor binding site residues are discussed.

Nucleotide sequence analysis of the Pseudomonas putida PpG7 salicylate hydroxylase gene (nahG) and its 3'-flanking region.

Gene nahG of naphthalene/salicylate catabolic plasmid NAH7 encodes a protein of molecular weight 45,000, salicylate hydroxylase. This enzyme catalyzes the formation of catechol from salicylate, a key intermediate in naphthalene catabolism. DNA sequence analysis of the 3.1-kilobase HindIII fragment containing the nahG locus reveals an open reading frame (ORF) of 1305 base pairs that corresponds to a protein of 434 amino acid residues. The predicted amino acid sequence of salicylate hydroxylase is in agreement with the molecular weight, NH2-terminal amino acid sequence, and total amino acid composition of the purified salicylate hydroxylase [You, I.-S., Murray, R. I., Jollie, D., & Gunsalus, I. C. (1990) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 169, 1049-1054]. The amino acid sequence between positions 8 and 37 of salicylate hydroxylase shows homology with known ADP binding sites of other FAD-containing oxidoreductases, thus confirming its biochemical function. The sequence of the Pseudomonas putida salicylate hydroxylase was compared with those of other similar flavoproteins. A small DNA segment (831 base pairs) disrupts the continuity of the known gene order nahG and nahH, the latter encoding catechol 2,3-dioxygenase. The complete nucleotide sequence of the intergenic region spanning genes nahG and nahH has been determined and its biological role proposed.

The P450 superfamily: update on new sequences, gene mapping, and recommended nomenclature.

We provide here a list of 154 P450 genes and seven putative pseudogenes that have been characterized as of October 20, 1990. These genes have been described in a total of 23 eukaryotes (including nine mammalian and one plant species) and six prokaryotes. Of 27 gene families so far described, 10 exist in all mammals. These 10 families comprise 18 subfamilies, of which 16 and 14 have been mapped in the human and mouse genomes, respectively; to date, each subfamily appears to represent a cluster of tightly linked genes. We propose here a modest revision of the initially proposed (Nebert et al., DNA 6, 1-11, 1987) and updated (Nebert et al., DNA 8, 1-13, 1989) nomenclature system based on evolution of the superfamily. For the gene we recommend that the italicized root symbol CYP for human (Cyp for mouse), representing cytochrome P450, be followed by an Arabic number denoting the family, a letter designating the subfamily (when two or more exist), and an Arabic numeral representing the individual gene within the subfamily. A hyphen should precede the final number in mouse genes. We suggest that the human nomenclature system be used for other species. This system is consistent with our earlier proposed nomenclature for P450 of all eukaryotes and prokaryotes, except that we are discouraging the future use of cumbersome Roman numerals.

Purification and characterization of salicylate hydroxylase from Pseudomonas putida PpG7.

The salicylate hydroxylase from P. putida PpG7 was purified and characterized. The enzyme appears to be monomeric, and it showed one major band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with an apparent Mr of 45 kDa. The sequence of the first 25 amino acids of salicylate hydroxylase (PpG7) was determined. Also, the total amino acid composition of salicylate hydroxylase (PpG7) was obtained and compared with that of the known salicylate hydroxylase from P. putida.

Protein components of a cytochrome P-450 linalool 8-methyl hydroxylase.

The cytochrome P-450 heme-thiolate monooxygenases that hydroxylate monoterpene hydrocarbon groups are effective models for the cytochrome P-450 family. We have purified and characterized the three proteins from a P-450-dependent linalool 8-methyl hydroxylase in Pseudomonas putida (incognita) strain PpG777. The proteins resemble the camphor 5-exohydroxylase components in chemical and physical properties; however, they show neither immunological cross-reactivity nor catalytic activity in heterogenous recombination. These two systems provide an excellent model to probe more deeply the heme-thiolate reaction center, molecular domains of substrate specificity, redox-pair interactions, and the regulation of the reaction cycle.

Plasmid control of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas putida phenotypes and of linalool and p-cymene oxidation.

Two Pseudomonas strains (PpG777 and PaG158) were derived from the parent isolate Pseudomonas incognita (putida). Strain PpG777 resembles the parental culture in growth on linalool as a source of carbon and slight growth on p-cymene, whereas PaG158 grows well on p-cymene, but not on linalool or other terpenes tested, and has a P. aeruginosa phenotype. Curing studies indicate that linalool metabolism is controlled by an extrachromosomal element whose loss forms a stable strain PaG158 with the p-cymene growth and P. aeruginosa phenotype characters. The plasmid can be transferred by PpG777 to both P. putida and P. aeruginosa strains. Surprisingly, the latter assume the P. putida phenotype. We conclude that the genetic potential to oxidize p-cymene is inherent in PpG777 but expression is repressed. Similarly, this observation implies that support of linalool oxidation effectively conceals the P. aeruginosa character.

Conformational changes of cytochromes P-450cam and P-450lin induced by high pressure.

Absorbance and fluorescence spectra of bacterial cytochrome P-450cam and cytochrome P-450lin have been studied as a function of pressure. These pressure-induced spectral perturbations fall into two categories, which are interpreted as resulting from denaturation domains and are discussed in terms of protein structural dynamics. The results presented herein support a view that these two bacterial cytochromes have large structural differences and suggest a picture in which the gellike cortex of each protein may play an essential role in stability and function.

The P450 superfamily: updated listing of all genes and recommended nomenclature for the chromosomal loci.

In this update we provide a list of the 71 P450 genes and the four P450 pseudogenes that have been characterized as of September 30, 1988. The chromosomal locations of many of these genes are also summarized. A modest revision of the initially proposed nomenclature of the P450 superfamily (Nebert et al., DNA 6, 1-11, 1987) is described specifically for the human and mouse chromosomal loci. The motivation for this revision is to conform to the rules of nomenclature for human and mouse genes. Recommendations for the naming of chromosomal loci include the root symbol "CYP" for human ("Cyp" for mouse), denoting "cytochrome P450." We recommend that this root also be used for other organisms. For a chromosomal locus, the root symbol is followed by an Arabic numeral designating the P450 family, a letter indicating the subfamily, and an Arabic numeral representing the individual gene within the family or subfamily. Numbers of the individual genes usually will be assigned in the order the genes are identified. This system is consistent with our earlier proposed nomenclature for P450 families and gene products from all eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

Nucleotide sequence of plasmid NAH7 gene nahR and DNA binding of the nahR product.

The nah and sal operons of the 80-kilobase-pair (kb) NAH7 plasmid specify catabolism of naphthalene and salicylate under positive regulation by gene nahR. A 1.75-kb fragment (PstI-HindIII) cloned into the pCP13 derivative of vector RK2 complemented in trans five nahR mutations. The fragment sequence contained a 1,122-base-pair open reading frame with a predicted sequence of 374 residues that was rich in basic amino acids with regions similar to known DNA-binding proteins. Clones from the nahR gene region were expressed in mexicells. Plasmid pY1923, carrying the 1.75-kb PstI-HindIII fragment, expressed a protein of Mr ca. 35,000 which bound to the upstream region of gene nahR in a gel electrophoresis DNA-binding assay. Other clones expressed proteins of currently unknown function; pY1311, with the 1.1-kb HindIII fragment, produced a polypeptide with an Mr of 23,000, and pY1812, with the 1.2-kb PstI-SphI fragment, produced a polypeptide (Mr 41,000) which appeared to be a fused nahR-lacZ product.

The P450 gene superfamily: recommended nomenclature.

A nomenclature for the P450 gene superfamily is proposed based on evolution. Recommendations include Roman numerals for distinct gene families, capital letters for subfamilies, and Arabic numerals for individual genes. An updating of this list, which presently includes 65 entries, will be required every 1-2 years. Assignment of orthologous genes is presently uncertain in some cases--between widely diverged species and especially in the P450II family due to the large number of genes. As more is known, it might become necessary to change some gene assignments that are based on our present knowledge.

Nucleotide sequence and expression of gene nahH of plasmid NAH7 and homology with gene xylE of TOL pWWO.

The enzyme catechol 2,3-dioxygenase (C23O) encoded by the nahH gene of plasmid NAH7 converts catechol to alpha-hydroxymuconic epsilon-semialdehyde in Pseudomonas putida. We have cloned this structural gene into vectors pUC18 and pKT240, determined the nucleotide sequence and deduced the amino acid sequence. In comparison to the gene xylE of the TOL plasmid pWWO which encodes a similar C230 enzyme [Nakai et al. J. Biol. Chem. (1983b), 2923-2928], the respective G + C contents were 55% and 57%, the nucleotide sequences 81% homologous, and the amino acid homology 85%. The flanking sequences of the two C23O-coding genes also show homology. Clones of the nahH gene in Escherichia coli overproduce the protein product at least ten fold and the gene product was identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Regulation of the nah and sal operons of plasmid NAH7: evidence for a new function in nahR.

The catabolism of naphthalene and salicylate is specified by two operons on an 80 Kb metabolic plasmid, NAH7. These operons, nah and sal, are carried on the contiguous 30 Kb EcoRI-A, C fragments, and are under positive control of a regulator region, nahR. Five Nah Sal Tn5 insertion mutants form two complementation groups: A = nahR203, nahR204; and B = nahR201, nahR202, nahR205. The physical and genetic maps assign the nahR location to the 15.7-17.2 Kb region of the EcoRI-A fragment, with suggestion of more than one control gene.

camR, a negative regulator locus of the cytochrome P-450cam hydroxylase operon.

A 4.27-kilobase insert from a HindIII DNA library of Pseudomonas putida carrying the CAM plasmid allowed coordinate expression of genes camD and camC under control of camR, an upstream regulator. The camC gene specifies cytochrome P-450cam, and camD specifies the 5-exo-alcohol dehydrogenase. A 1.38-kilobase deletion from the insert results in the constitutive expression of genes camC and camD; transformation in trans restores the substrate control, indicating that camR is a negative regulator.

Nucleotide sequence of the Pseudomonas putida cytochrome P-450cam gene and its expression in Escherichia coli.

Cytochrome P-450cam catalyzes the stereospecific methylene hydroxylation of camphor to form 5-exohydroxycamphor and is encoded by the camC gene on the CAM plasmid of Pseudomonas putida, ATCC 17453. The cytochrome P-450cam structural gene has been cloned by mutant complementation in P. putida (Koga, H., Rauchfuss, B., and Gunsalus, I. C. (1985) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 130, 412-417). We report the complete nucleotide sequence of the camC gene along with 155 base pairs of 5' and 175 base pairs of 3' flanking sequence. Upon comparison of the amino acid sequence derived from the gene sequence to the one obtained from the purified protein (Haniu, M., Armes, L. G., Yasunobu, K. T., Shastry, B. A., and Gunsalus, I. C. (1982) J. Biol. Chem. 257, 12664-12671), five differences were found. The most significant was the addition of a Trp and a Thr residue between Val-54 and Arg-55, thereby increasing the amino acid numbering scheme by 2 after Val-54, bringing the total number of amino acids to 414. Other differences were: Gln-274----Glu-276, Ser-359----His-361, and Asn-405----Asp-407. N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of the cloned cytochrome P-450cam enzyme expressed in Escherichia coli under the lac promoter showed a faithful translation of the hemo-protein, with the N-terminal Met removed by processing as found in P. putida. Purification to homogeneity of the cloned protein was accomplished by the method used for the CAM plasmid-encoded enzyme of P. putida. The G + C content of the camC gene was found to be 59.0%, caused by a preferred usage of G and C terminated codons. The gene encoding putidaredoxin reductase, camA, was located 22 nucleotides downstream from the cytochrome P-450cam gene. The camA gene initiated with a novel GUG codon, the first such initiator documented in Pseudomonas.

The 2.6-A crystal structure of Pseudomonas putida cytochrome P-450.

The crystal structure of Pseudomonas putida cytochrome P-450cam in the ferric, camphor bound form has been determined and partially refined to R = 0.23 at 2.6 A. The single 414 amino acid polypeptide chain (Mr = 45,000) approximates a triangular prism with a maximum dimension of approximately 60 A and a minimum of approximately 30 A. Twelve helical segments (A through L) account for approximately 40% of the structure while antiparallel beta pairs account for only approximately 10%. The unexposed iron protoporphyrin IX is sandwiched between two parallel helices designated the proximal and distal helices. The heme iron atom is pentacoordinate with the axial sulfur ligand provided by Cys 357 which extends from the N-terminal end of the proximal (L) helix. A substrate molecule, 2-bornanone (camphor), is buried in an internal pocket just above the heme distal surface adjacent to the oxygen binding site. The substrate molecule is held in place by a hydrogen bond between the side chain hydroxyl group of Tyr 96 and the camphor carbonyl oxygen atom in addition to complementary hydrophobic contacts between the camphor molecule and neighboring aliphatic and aromatic residues. The camphor is oriented such that the exo-surface of C5 would contact an iron bound, "activated" oxygen atom for stereoselective hydroxylation.