POR is a 77.9 kDa glycosylated protein comprising 686 amino acids, with residues 1–680 forming the functional core . Key features include:
Structural Composition: A single polypeptide chain expressed in Sf9 Baculovirus cells, featuring a C-terminal 6xHis tag for purification .
Physical Properties:
POR serves as an electron donor for CYP enzymes, enabling hydroxylation and oxidation reactions .
Steroid Biosynthesis:
Drug Metabolism:
Production: Recombinant POR (e.g., Human POR from ProSpec Bio) is used to study CYP enzyme interactions in vitro .
Experimental Use:
MLFRKKKEEV PEFTKIQTLT SSVRESSFVE KMKKTGRNII VFYGSQTGTA EEFANRLSKD AHRYGMRGMS ADPEEYDLAD LSSLPEIDNA LVVFCMATYG EGDPTDNAQD FYDWLQETDV DLSGVKFAVF GLGNKTYEHF NAMGKYVDKR LEQLGAQRIF ELGLGDDDGN LEEDFITWRE QFWPAVCEHF GVEATGEESS IRQYELVVHT DIDAAKVYMG EMGRLKSYEN QKPPFDAKNP FLAAVTTNRK LNQGTERHLM HLELDISDSK IRYESGDHVA VYPANDSALV NQLGKILGAD LDVVMSLNNL DEESNKKHPF PCPTSYRTAL TYYLDITNPP RTNVLYELAQ YASEPSEQEL LRKMASSSGE GKELYLSWVV EARRHILAIL QDCPSLRPPI DHLCELLPRL QARYYSIASS SKVHPNSVHI CAVVVEYETK AGRINKGVAT NWLRAKEPAG ENGGRALVPM FVRKSQFRLP FKATTPVIMV GPGTGVAPFI GFIQERAWLR QQGKEVGETL LYYGCRRSDE DYLYREELAQ FHRDGALTQL NVAFSREQSH KVYVQHLLKQ DREHLWKLIE GGAHIYVCGD ARNMARDVQN TFYDIVAELG AMEHAQAVDY IKKLMTKGRY SLDVWSHHHH HH. |
The POR (43-677) human fragment represents a significant functional domain of the P450 oxidoreductase enzyme. Similar to how growth hormone secretagogues like SM-130686 bind to specific receptor domains, the POR fragment contains critical binding regions that facilitate electron transfer to cytochrome P450 enzymes. Understanding this fragment helps researchers investigate the molecular mechanisms of drug metabolism and steroid hormone synthesis. When designing studies involving this fragment, researchers should consider its structural characteristics and functional domains, similar to how researchers evaluate receptor-binding domains in hormone studies .
For robust expression of the POR (43-677) human fragment, researchers typically employ eukaryotic expression systems similar to those used in growth hormone receptor studies. CHO cell lines have demonstrated reliable expression profiles for membrane-bound proteins, as evidenced by their successful application in GHS receptor studies . E. coli systems may be used for preliminary investigations, but post-translational modifications critical for proper POR function are better preserved in mammalian cell systems. When expressing this fragment, protein yield and functional integrity should be evaluated using binding assays comparable to those used for assessing 35S-labeled ligand binding to receptors .
Similar to methodological approaches used in hormone receptor research, structural integrity verification of POR (43-677) requires multiple complementary methods. Circular dichroism spectroscopy provides information about secondary structure elements, while thermal shift assays assess protein stability. For binding capacity assessment, researchers can adapt radioligand binding assays similar to those used with the GHS receptor, where membrane preparations containing the expressed protein are tested for binding capacity using appropriate substrates . These analytical approaches should be conducted independently and in combination to establish confidence in structural integrity.
Designing robust experiments for POR (43-677) electron transfer kinetics requires careful consideration of several factors. Similar to how researchers evaluate growth hormone secretion rates following secretagogue administration , electron transfer rates should be measured under standardized conditions using cytochrome c reduction assays. Critical experimental variables include temperature (optimally 37°C), pH (typically 7.4), and substrate concentrations. Data should be analyzed using Michaelis-Menten kinetics to determine parameters such as Km and Vmax. Researchers should include appropriate controls such as known POR inhibitors to validate the assay system. For comprehensive analysis, both steady-state and pre-steady-state kinetics should be employed to distinguish between binding and catalytic steps.
For investigating protein-protein interactions involving POR (43-677), researchers should implement a multi-method approach. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) provides real-time interaction data and binding constants, while co-immunoprecipitation can confirm physiologically relevant interactions. Researchers can adapt methodologies from growth hormone receptor studies, where binding characteristics are evaluated using membrane preparations . Additionally, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) or bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) techniques can map interaction domains within living cells. When reporting interaction data, researchers should provide IC50 values and binding constants similar to those reported for ligand-receptor interactions (e.g., SM-130686 showed an IC50 value of 1.2±0.2 nM in binding assays) .
Chronic stress significantly impacts enzyme systems related to hormone metabolism. Drawing parallels from the ghrelin-growth hormone axis research, chronic stress conditions can alter enzyme expression and activity profiles . For POR-mediated pathways, researchers should examine both transcriptional regulation and post-translational modifications under stress conditions. Experimental designs should incorporate both in vitro stress models (e.g., oxidative stress induction) and in vivo chronic stress paradigms. Measurement approaches should include enzyme activity assays, protein quantification, and mRNA expression analysis. Special attention should be paid to potential compensatory mechanisms that may emerge during prolonged stress exposure, similar to how the ghrelin-growth hormone axis showed adaptive changes during chronic stress conditions .
Scientific reporting of POR (43-677) research requires careful attention to readability and clarity. According to readability research, scientific papers that maintain approximately an 11th-12th grade reading level show optimal comprehension among specialized audiences . When reporting complex methodological details such as purification protocols or kinetic parameters, researchers should use subheadings and tables to improve information accessibility. For explaining complex concepts like electron transfer mechanisms, consider using readable.com or similar tools to evaluate text complexity . Additionally, reporting should consistently define units of measurement and abbreviations, particularly when discussing reaction kinetics and binding constants.
Statistical analysis of POR (43-677) functional activity requires consideration of both parametric and non-parametric methods depending on data distribution. For dose-response curves similar to those generated for growth hormone secretion rates , nonlinear regression analysis should be employed to determine EC50 or IC50 values. When comparing multiple experimental conditions, researchers should conduct ANOVA with appropriate post-hoc tests (Tukey or Bonferroni) for multiple comparisons. Time-course experiments should be analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. For all statistical analyses, researchers should report effect sizes along with p-values to indicate biological significance beyond statistical significance. Additionally, graphical representation should include individual data points along with means and standard deviations to demonstrate data distribution.
When encountering contradictory findings in POR (43-677) functional studies, researchers should employ a systematic approach to resolution. First, examine methodological differences between studies, including protein preparation methods, buffer compositions, and assay conditions. Second, consider species differences if comparing human POR fragments with those from other organisms. Third, evaluate post-translational modifications that might affect function. Similar to how contradictions in hormone response studies are addressed , researchers should design experiments that specifically test hypotheses about the source of contradictions, rather than simply replicating previous work. Publication of these resolution attempts is crucial for field advancement, even when contradictions remain unresolved. When reporting contradictory findings, include detailed methodological descriptions that facilitate reproduction by other laboratories.
POR (43-677) human studies provide critical insights into drug metabolism research by characterizing a key electron transfer component in the cytochrome P450 system. To apply this research to drug metabolism studies, researchers should establish in vitro systems with reconstituted components including the POR fragment and relevant P450 enzymes. Drug candidates can then be evaluated for metabolism rates and metabolite profiles. Similar to how growth hormone secretagogues are evaluated for receptor binding and physiological effects , drugs should be assessed for their interaction with the POR-P450 complex. Advanced applications include developing computational models that predict drug metabolism based on structural interactions with POR. Researchers should report standardized metrics such as intrinsic clearance values and metabolite formation rates to facilitate comparison across studies.
Genetic variants in the POR (43-677) region have significant implications for personalized medicine approaches. To study these variants, researchers should employ site-directed mutagenesis to create variant forms, followed by functional characterization using enzyme activity assays. Population frequency data should be integrated with functional impacts to assess clinical relevance. Similar to how hormone receptor variants affect response to secretagogues , POR variants may alter drug metabolism profiles. Clinical correlation studies should examine associations between POR variants and drug response variability or adverse effects. When reporting variant impact, researchers should provide both in vitro functional data and, where available, clinical correlation data. Additionally, computational structural analysis can help predict variant impacts on protein stability and function.
Advanced imaging techniques offer promising approaches for elucidating POR (43-677) dynamics. Cryo-electron microscopy can reveal structural conformations during electron transfer, while super-resolution microscopy can map POR localization within cellular compartments. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry can identify dynamic regions involved in protein-protein interactions. Drawing from methodologies used in receptor research , researchers can employ fluorescently labeled POR fragments to track real-time interactions with P450 enzymes. When implementing these techniques, researchers should consider temporal resolution requirements based on known electron transfer rates. Additionally, correlative light and electron microscopy approaches can bridge functional observations with structural insights, providing comprehensive understanding of POR dynamics within the cellular environment.
The development of POR (43-677)-targeted therapeutic approaches represents an emerging research direction. By modulating POR activity, researchers may influence the metabolism of drugs and endogenous compounds. Similar to how growth hormone secretagogues were developed to modulate specific receptor functions , researchers can design small molecules that selectively enhance or inhibit POR activity. Initial screening approaches should include in silico docking studies followed by binding assays and functional validation. When developing such compounds, researchers must characterize specificity profiles to avoid off-target effects on other flavin-containing proteins. Therapeutic potential assessment should include both in vitro metabolism studies and in vivo validation in appropriate animal models. This research area bridges basic science understanding of POR function with translational applications in pharmacology and medicine.
P450 oxidoreductase (POR), also known as cytochrome P450 reductase, is a crucial enzyme in the electron transfer chain, facilitating the transfer of electrons from NADPH to cytochrome P450 enzymes and other heme proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum of eukaryotic cells . This enzyme plays a vital role in various biochemical processes, including drug metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and the detoxification of xenobiotics.
The human POR gene is located on chromosome 7 (7q11.23) and consists of 16 exons . The exons 2-16 code for a 677-amino acid POR protein . The protein is a membrane-bound enzyme composed of four structural domains: the FMN-binding domain, the connecting domain, the FAD-binding domain, and the NADPH-binding domain . The FMN-binding domain is similar to the structure of FMN-containing protein flavodoxin, while the FAD-binding and NADPH-binding domains resemble those of flavoprotein ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (FNR) .
POR is essential for the catalytic activity of all microsomal cytochrome P450 enzymes . It transfers electrons from NADPH to cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are involved in the metabolism of a wide range of substrates, including drugs, steroids, and other xenobiotics . The general scheme of electron flow in the POR/P450 system is: NADPH → FAD → FMN → P450 → O2 .
Mutations in the POR gene can lead to POR deficiency, a complex disorder affecting steroidogenesis and, in severe cases, causing skeletal malformations known as Antley-Bixler syndrome . The POR gene is highly polymorphic, with numerous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in different populations . These polymorphisms can affect drug metabolism and steroid biosynthesis, contributing to pharmacogenetic variation in drug response and variations in steroid synthesis .
Recombinant human POR can be expressed in various systems, including E. coli, for research and therapeutic purposes . The recombinant protein is used to study the effects of amino acid sequence variants on the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes and to assess the impact of genetic polymorphisms on enzyme function .