Recent Structural Insights into Cytochrome P450 Function

Cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes are important in the metabolism of drugs, steroids, fat-soluble vitamins, carcinogens, pesticides, and many other types of chemicals. Their catalytic activities are important issues in areas such as drug–drug interactions and endocrine function. During the past 30 years, structures of P450s have been very helpful in understanding function, particularly the mammalian P450 structures available in the past 15 years. We review recent activity in this area, focusing on the past 2 years (2014–2015). Structural work with microbial P450s includes studies related to the biosynthesis of natural products and the use of parasitic and fungal P450 structures as targets for drug discovery. Studies on mammalian P450s include the utilization of information about ‘drug-metabolizing’ P450s to improve drug development and also to understand the molecular bases of endocrine dysfunction.

TrendsP450s are the dominant enzymes involved in the metabolism of drugs, as well as steroids and chemical carcinogens.In the past 15 years, X-ray crystal structures of nearly 40% of the human P450s have become available.Structures of P450s can be utilized to understand the molecular basis of endocrine misfunction.Structures of P450s have been of use in guiding drug development programs, avoiding problems with bioavailability and drug interactions.Some P450s are drug targets in humans, as well as fungi, bacteria, and parasites, and P450 structures facilitate drug discovery in this area.