Cytochrome P450 81A21 (CYP81A21)

Cytochrome P450 81A21 (CYP81A21) is a member of the plant cytochrome P450 monooxygenase superfamily, primarily identified in rice (Oryza sativa) and related weed species like Echinochloa phyllopogon. It functions as a key enzyme in the metabolic detoxification of various herbicides, including acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors. By catalyzing the oxidative degradation of these xenobiotics, CYP81A21 allows plants to survive applications of agrochemicals that would otherwise be lethal. This protein is a significant focus in agricultural biotechnology and weed science because its overexpression is a primary driver of non-target-site resistance (NTSR). Understanding its substrate specificity and regulatory mechanisms is crucial for developing new herbicides and managing resistant weed populations in cereal crops.

Other names

CYP81A21Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase 81A21Rice CYP81A21

Metabolic detoxification of herbicides via oxidative metabolism, typically involving O-dealkylation or hydroxylation, which renders the agrochemicals non-toxic to the plant.