The mechanism-based inactivation of P450 2B4 by tert-butyl 1-methyl-2-propynyl ether: structural determination of the adducts to the P450 heme

tert-Butyl 1-methyl-2-propynyl ether (tBMP) was analyzed for its ability to act as a mechanism-based inactivator of P450 2B4. tBMP inactivated P450 2B4 in a time-, concentration-, and NADPH-dependent manner. Losses in activity occurred with concurrent losses in the reduced CO spectrum and native P450 heme; however, there was a greater loss in activity than could be accounted for by reduced CO spectra or native heme loss. LC/MS analysis demonstrated that the losses in native heme were accompanied by the appearance of two modified hemes with m/z values of 705 Da, consistent with tBMP adducted hemes. Both adducts had identical fragmentation patterns when analyzed by LC/MS/MS. The spectra were consistent with a tBMP molecule and an oxygen atom attached to iron-depleted heme. Proton NMR studies suggest that the two modified hemes in P450 2B1 are N-alkylated on pyrrole rings A and D.