Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) have attracted increasing attention as a useful small non-human primate model in preclinical research. However, studies on marmoset cytochrome P450 (P450) 2E enzyme have scarcely been conducted. In this study, the full-length cDNA encoding P450 2E1 enzyme was isolated from marmoset livers by reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Marmoset P450 2E1 amino acid sequences were highly identical (>88%) to those of cynomolgus monkey and human P450 2E1 enzymes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close evolutionary relationship among marmoset, cynomolgus monkey, and human P450 2E1 enzymes. The tissue expression pattern analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting demonstrated that marmoset P450 2E1 mRNA and proteins were predominantly expressed in livers. Marmoset P450 2E1 enzyme heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli catalyzed the hydroxylation of p-nitrophenol, chlorzoxazone, and theophylline, similar to cynomolgus monkey and human P450 2E1 enzymes. By kinetic analyses, those P450 2E1 enzymes catalyzed p-nitrophenol hydroxylation with similar affinities and relatively high intrinsic clearance efficiencies. These results indicated that tissue distribution and enzyme-substrate specificity of marmoset P450 2E1 were similar to cynomolgus monkey and human P450 2E1 enzymes, suggesting that marmosets are a suitable primate model for P450 2E1-dependent drug and xenobiotic metabolism.

Background: Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are potentially useful nonhuman primate models for preclinical studies. Information for major drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes is now available that supports the use of this primate species as an animal model for drug development. Here, we collect and provide an overview of information on the activities of common marmoset hepatic and intestinal microsomes with respect to 28 typical human P450 probe oxidations. Results: Marmoset P450 2D6/8-dependent R-metoprolol O-demethylation activities in hepatic microsomes were significantly correlated with those of midazolam 1′- and 4-hydroxylations, testosterone 6β-hydroxylation, and progesterone 6β-hydroxylation, which are probe reactions for marmoset P450 3A4/5/90. In marmosets, the oxidation activities of hepatic microsomes and intestinal microsomes were roughly comparable for midazolam and terfenadine. Overall, multiple forms of marmoset P450 enzymes in livers and intestines had generally similar substrate recognition functionalities to those of human and/or cynomolgus monkey P450 enzymes. Conclusion: The marmoset could be a model animal for humans with respect to the first-pass extraction of terfenadine and related substrates. These findings provide a foundation for understanding individual pharmacokinetic and toxicological results in nonhuman primates as preclinical models and will help to further support understanding of the molecular mechanisms of human P450 function.