Diversity and Characterization of Novel Cytochrome P45O 2 Genes in the Marine Teleost Fundulus Heteroclitus
Abstract
The multiplicity and roles of cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes in the 2 family are not well known in fish. Characterizations of CYP2 genes in the killifish Fundulus heteroclitus identified cDNAs from three CYP2 subfamilies. One is related to trout CYP2K1. The others form two new subfamilies, CYP2N and CYP2P. CYP2P transcripts are expressed strongly in liver and gut while CYP2N2 transcripts are expressed most strongly in heart and brain. Phylogenetically, the CYP2Ns and CYP2Ps are closest to the mammalian CYP2Js and have similar tissue specific sites of transcript expression. These similarities suggest functional similarities as well. To evaluate the functions of the killifish CYP, CYP2N1, CYP2N2, and CYP2P3 proteins were expressed and their metabolism of arachidonic acid was examined. CYP2N1, CYP2N2, and CYP2P3 metabolized arachidonic to epoxyeicosatrienoic and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids. Arachidonic acid metabolites modulate epithelial salt and water transport, act in various aspects of reproductive biology, and have potent vasoactivities in a wide variety of organisms. Thus, arachidonic acid metabolites are involved in the regulation of cellular processes that are fundamental to organisms in general, and their synthesis is of primary interest.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA351029
Entities
People
- Marjorie F. Oleksiak
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology