The Fourth Molybdenum Containing Enzyme mARC: Cloning and Involvement in the Activation ofN-Hydroxylated Prodrugs

The recently discovered mammalian molybdoprotein mARC1 is capable of reducing N-hydroxylated compounds. Upon reconstitution with cytochrome b5 and b5 reductase, benzamidoxime, pentamidine, and diminazene amidoximes, N-hydroxymelagatran, guanoxabenz, and N-hydroxydebrisoquine are efficiently reduced. These substances are amidoxime/N-hydroxyguanidine prodrugs, leading to improved bioavailability compared to the active amidines/guanidines. Thus, the recombinant enzyme allows prediction about in vivo reduction of N-hydroxylated prodrugs. Furthermore, the prodrug principle is not dependent on cytochrome P450 enzymes.