Unique Structural Features Relate to Evolutionary Adaptation of Cytochrome P450 in the Abyssal Zone.

ABSTRACT: Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) form one of the largest enzyme superfamilies, with similar structural folds yet biological functions varying from synthesis of physiologically essential compounds to metabolism of myriad xenobiotics. Sterol 14α-demethylases (CYP51s) represent a very special P450 family, regarded as a possible evolutionary progenitor for all currently existing P450s. In metazoans CYP51 is critical for the biosynthesis of sterols including cholesterol. Here we determined the crystal structures of ligand-free CYP51s from the abyssal fish Coryphaenoides armatus and human-. Comparative sequence-structure-function analysis revealed specific structural elements that imply elevated conformational flexibility, uncovering a molecular basis for faster catalytic rates, lower substrate se

SUBMITTER: Hargrove TY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12192976 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature