Stable expression of human cytochrome P450 2E1 in V79 Chinese hamster cells

A V79 Chinese hamster cell line was constructed for stable expression of human cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) by integration of a SV40 Early promoter recombinant CYP2E1 cDNA into the chromosomal DNA. The cDNA encoded CYP2E1 was effectively expressed and enzymatically active, as shown by hydroxylation of chlorzoxazone and of p-nitrophenol, at rates of about 70 pmol x mg-1 total protein x min-1. CYP2E1 content and activity was increased upon cultivation in the presence of ethanol indicating a substrate mediated stabilization effect. A similar stabilizing effect was also observed for inhibitors of CYP2E1, e.g. imidazole, 4-methylpyrazole, and isoniazid. The feasibility of the newly established cell line V79MZh2E1 for toxicological studies was shown by CYP2E1-mediated activation of N-nitrosodimethylamine and p-nitrophenol and a dose-dependent cytotoxic and mutagenic effect.