Spatio-temporal distribution of CYP P450 Epoxygenases in human embryos: importance for prenatal developement

CYP epoxygenases (CYP2C and CYP2J subfamilies) convert arachidonic acid into four regioisomeric eicosatrienoic acids (EETs), biologically active molecules involved in mitogenesis and cell signalling. CYP epoxygenases seem to play a role in proper prenatal development in humans, although our knowledge is far from complete. We investigated spatiotemporal expression pattern of CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2J2 in human embryonic/foetal intestine, liver and kidney by immunohistochemistry. Distribution of CYP epoxygenases expression in particular organs correlate with changes in prenatal development, which could support hypothesis that EE Ts might act as morphogen.