Ronald Estabrook's Early Guidance of a Postdoctoral Fellow Concerning the Intricacies of Steroid Metabolism by Cytochromes P450

Abstract

Ronald Estabrook made his initial impact studying cytochrome P450 by demonstrating the oxidative metabolism function of this unique class of enzymes, which had an unusual spectral peak at 450 nm when reduced and in the presence of carbon monoxide. Utilizing a photochemical action spectrum, he demonstrated that a cytochrome P450 was responsible for steroid 21 hydroxylation catalyzed by microsomes prepared from adrenal cortex tissue. As a young postdoctoral student, I was given the unique opportunity to learn from a true pioneer in this field. Ron had a surprisingly small laboratory at that time that allowed me to closely interact with a great scientist to learn about the important role cytochrome P450 proteins play in a wide variety of different organisms catalyzing oxidative metabolism reactions essential to life and to provide organisms, with the means to defend against xenobiotics.