Re-expression of C/EBP alpha induces CYP2B6, CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 genes in HepG2 cells

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity is very low or even absent in human hepatomas, a phenomenon that is accompanied by low levels of some liver transcription factors, notably C/EBP alpha. To investigate a possible link between this transcription factor and hepatic CYP expression, we have stably transfected HepG2 cells with a C/EBP alpha vector containing a Zn-inducible metallothionein promoter. Expression of functional C/EBP alpha up to liver levels concomitantly increased the mRNAs of several members of the CYP2 family (2B6, 2C9 and 2D6), suggesting that this transcription factor may play a relevant role in controlling the hepatic expression of CYP enzymes.