Cytochrome P450 81A12 (CYP81A12)

Cytochrome P450 81A12 (CYP81A12) is a key enzyme identified in the weed species Echinochloa phyllopogon (late watergrass) that plays a critical role in conferring multiple herbicide resistance (Iwakami et al., 2014). It belongs to the CYP81A subfamily of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, which are heme-thiolate enzymes involved in the oxidative metabolism of both endogenous compounds and xenobiotics (Iwakami et al., 2014; Pest Manag Sci, 2022). CYP81A12 specifically catalyzes the detoxification of acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors, such as bensulfuron-methyl and penoxsulam, primarily through O-demethylation reactions (Iwakami et al., 2014; Plant Physiology, 2014). It has also been implicated in the metabolism of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors and other herbicide groups, contributing to a broad-spectrum resistance phenotype known as non-target-site resistance (Frontiers in Plant Science, 2020). While not a target for human therapeutic intervention, CYP81A12 is a critical target in agricultural biotechnology for the development of herbicide synergists and the engineering of herbicide-tolerant crops (Pest Manag Sci, 2022). Understanding the regulatory mechanisms and substrate specificity of CYP81A12 is essential for addressing the global challenge of herbicide-resistant weeds in rice production and other agricultural systems (Iwakami et al., 2014; ResearchGate, 2014).

Other names

CYP81A12Cytochrome P450 CYP81A12Late watergrass CYP81A12

Metabolic inactivation of herbicides through oxidative reactions such as O-demethylation and hydroxylation, leading to reduced phytotoxicity.