INDUCTION OF CYP102 (CYTOCHROME P450(BM-3)) IN BACILLUS-MEGATERIUM BY17-BETA-ESTRADIOL AND 4-SEC-BUTYLPHENOL

CYP102 (Cytochrome P450(BM-3)) is induced in Bacillus megaterium by ba rbiturates, peroxisome proliferators, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammato ry drugs. We now describe the induction of CYP102 in B. megaterium by 17 beta-estradiol and by 4-sec-butylphenol. These estrogens interact w ith the repressor protein Bm3R1, causing it to dissociate with the ope rator of the CYP102 gene and allowing transcription to occur. We have developed a stable transfection of a construct into B. megaterium of a truncated CYP102 gene coupled with the luciferase gene in a promoterl ess plasmid and have used this construct to test the induction of CYP1 02 by these estrogens. Estradiol demonstrated a dose-dependent inducti on of CYP102 which saturated at a 2-fold increase at 150 mu M 4 hr pos t-addition. 4-sec-Butylphenol produced a dose-dependent and time-depen dent induction up to 300 mu M and 6 hr post-induction. (C) 1998 Academ ic Press.