Genetically engineered in vitro systems for biotransformation studies

Abstract

In order to understand cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of xenobiotics such as drugs and pollutants, several cell systems are genetically engineered for metabolic competence by cloning cDNAs encoding cytochrome P450 and other enzymes and by heterologous expression in bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cells. Genetically engineered cell systems are defined for the cDNA enzyme function. In conjunction with cell intrinsic properties, these genetically engineered cell systems can be used for the assessment of metabolism-dependent pharmacological and/or toxicological effects.