Induction of CYP102 (cytochrome P450BM-3) in Bacillus megaterium by 17 beta-estradiol and 4-sec-butylphenol.

CYP102 (Cytochrome P450BM-3) is induced in Bacillus megaterium by barbiturates, peroxisome proliferators, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We now describe the induction of CYP102 in B. megaterium by 17 beta-estradiol and by 4-sec-butylphenol. These estrogens interact with the repressor protein Bm3R1, causing it to dissociate with the operator of the CYP102 gene and allowing transcription to occur. We have developed a stable transfection of a construct into B. megaterium of a truncated CYP102 gene coupled with the luciferase gene in a promoterless plasmid and have used this construct to test the induction of CYP102 by these estrogens. Estradiol demonstrated a dose-dependent induction of CYP102 which saturated at a 2-fold increase at 150 microM 4 hr post-addition. 4-sec-Butylphenol produced a dose-dependent and time-dependent induction up to 300 microM and 6 hr post-induction.