Toward a systems approach to cytochrome P450 ensemble: interactions of CYP2E1 with other P450 species and their impact on CYP1A2

In this study, we investigate the ability of ethanol-inducible CYP2E1 to interact with other cytochrome P450 species and affect the metabolism of their substrates. As a model system, we used CYP2E1-enriched human liver microsomes (HLM) obtained by the incorporation of purified CYP2E1. Using a technique based on homo-FRET in oligomers of CYP2E1 labeled with BODIPY 577/618 maleimide we demonstrated that the interactions of CYP2E1 with HLM result in the formation of its mixed oligomers with other P450 species present in the microsomal membrane. Incorporation of CYP2E1 results in a multifold increase in the rate of metabolism of CYP2E1-specific substrates p-Nitrophenol and Chlorzaxozone. The rate of their oxidation remains proportional to the amount of incorporated CYP2E1 up to the content of 0.3–0.4 nmol/mg protein (or ∼50% CYP2E1 in the P450 pool). The incorporated CYP2E1 becomes a fully functional member of the P450 ensemble and do not exhibit any detectable functional differences with the endogenous CYP2E1. Enrichment of HLM with CYP2E1 results in pronounced changes in the metabolism of 7-ethoxy-4-cyanocoumarin (CEC), the substrate of CYP2C19 and CYP1A2 suggesting an increase in the involvement of the latter in its metabolism. This effect goes together with an augmentation of the rate of dealkylation of CYP1A2-specific substrate 7-ethoxyresorufin. Furthermore, probing the interactions of CYP2E1 with model microsomes containing individual P450 enzymes we found that CYP2E1 efficiently interacts with CYP1A2, but lacks any ability to form complexes with CYP2C19. This finding goes inline with CYP2E1-induced redirection of the main route of CEC metabolism from CYP2C19 to CYP1A2.