Unique Structural Features Relate to Evolutionary Adaptation of Cytochrome P450 in the Abyssal Zone

Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) form one of the largest enzyme superfamilies, with similar structural folds yet biological functions varying from synthesis of physiologically essential compounds to metabolism of myriad xenobiotics. Sterol 14α-demethylases (CYP51s) represent a very special P450 family, regarded as a possible evolutionary progenitor for all currently existing P450s. In metazoans CYP51 is critical for the biosynthesis of sterols including cholesterol. Here we determined the crystal structures of ligand-free CYP51s from the abyssal fish Coryphaenoides armatus and human-. Comparative sequence–structure–function analysis revealed specific structural elements that imply elevated conformational flexibility, uncovering a molecular basis for faster catalytic rates, lower substrate selectivity, and intrinsic resistance to inhibition. In addition, the C. armatus structure displayed a large-scale repositioning of structural segments that, in vivo, are immersed in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and border the substrate entrance (the FG arm, >20 Å, and the β4 hairpin, >15 Å). The structural distinction of C. armatus CYP51, which is the first structurally characterized deep sea P450, suggests stronger involvement of the membrane environment in regulation of the enzyme function. We interpret this as a co-adaptation of the membrane protein structure with membrane lipid composition during evolutionary incursion to life in the deep sea.