EXPRESSION OF CYP3A7, A HUMAN FETUS-SPECIFIC CYTOCHROME-P450, IN CULTURED-CELLS AND IN THE HEPATOCYTES OF P53-KNOCKOUT MICE

CYP3A7 is a major form of cytochrome P450 in human fetal livers. To el ucidate toxicological significance of CYP3A7 in fetal livers, CYP3A7 c DNA was introduced into Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells. Transformant s carrying the CYP3A7 gene were more sensitive to mycotoxins than pare ntal CHL cells. In additional studies, we established a hepatocyte cel l line from CYP3A7-transgenic/p53-knockout mice. In hepatocyte cells f rom CYP3A7-transgenic/p53-knockout mice, CYP3A7 mRNA was expressed and the catalytic activity of CYP3A7 protein was detected. The cells are expected to show cytotoxicity to mycotoxins and teratogens. These cell lines provide a valuable panel for studying the fetal toxicities of c hemicals in humans.