Olfactory-specific cytochrome P-450. cDNA cloning of a novel neuroepithelial enzyme possibly involved in chemoreception

We isolated cDNA clones for cytochrome P-450 genes expressed in the olfactory neuroepithelium by screening a corresponding rat cDNA library. Sequence analysis and RNA blot hybridization revealed a new cytochrome P-450, designated cytochrome P-450olf1, which is the first reported cytochrome P-450 mRNA uniquely expressed in the chemosensory organ. Cytochrome P-450olf1 shows intermediate level of sequence similarity (38-53% identity) to several liver cytochrome P-450 enzymes, suggesting that it belongs to the cytochrome P-450II family, but defines a new subfamily (cytochrome P-450IIG) within it. Cytochrome P-450II enzymes are known to process diverse organic compounds, including odorants. This, together with the specificity of cytochrome P-450olf1 to the sensory neuroepithelium, may indicate a role for this protein in olfactory reception.