Genome-wide and expression-profiling analyses of the cytochrome P450 genes in Tenebrionidea

Authors: WANG, YU-QIN - Southwest Forestry University; LI, GUANG-YA - Southwest Forestry University; LI, LU - Southwest Forestry University; SONG, QI-SHENG - University Of Missouri; Stanley, David; WEI, SHU-JUN - Southwest Forestry University; ZHU, JIA-YING - Southwest Forestry University

Submitted to: Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/26/2022
Publication Date: 10/11/2022
Citation: Wang, Y., Li, G., Li, L., Song, Q., Stanley, D.W., Wei, S., Zhu, J. 2022. Genome-wide and expression-profiling analyses of the cytochrome P450 genes in Tenebrionidea. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. 111(3). Article 21954. https://doi.org/10.1002/arch.21954.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/arch.21954

Interpretive Summary: Some enzymes, generally known as P450s, are important in insects and virtually all other areas of biology. These enzymes protect insects by breaking down foreign chemicals and by producing needed chemicals within the body. In this study, we analyzed all the P450 enzymes in four beetle species. These enzymes are expressed in several individual insect tissues, such as antennae and deve;p[omg ovaries, from which we learned they act in a wide range of functions, including egg development and immunity. Because of their many actions in insect biology, they may be developed as targets for novel insect pest management technologies. One of the beetles we studied is the yellow mealworm. This and related insect species are serious pests of stored grains, such as rice, and they are responsible for approximately 2.5 billion dollars in annual grain losses in the United States. Scientists working to develop new pest management technologies will use the new information to create new stored grain pest management systems. The new developments will improve food security at the global level.

Technical Abstract: Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are present in almost all areas of the tree of life. As one of the largest and most diverse superfamilies of multifunctional enzymes, they play important roles in the metabolism of xenobiotics and biosynthesis of endogenous compounds, shaping the success of insects. In this study, the CYPome (an omics term for all the CYP450 genes in a genome) diversification was examined in the four Tenebrionidea species through genome-wide analysis. A total of 483 P450 genes were identified, of which 103, 157, 122 and 101 were respectively deciphered from the genomes of Tebebrio molitor, Asbolus verucosus, Hycleus cichorii and H. phaleratus. These P450s were classified into four major clans (mitochondrial, CYP2, CYP3 and CYP4), and clans CYP3 and CYP4 are most diverse. Phylogenetic analysis showed that most P450s of these five Tenebrionidea beetles from each clan had very close 1:1 orthology to each other, suggesting that they originate closely and have evolutionally conserved function. Expression analysis at different developmental stages and in various tissues showed the life stage-, gut-, salivary gland-, fat body-, Malpighian tubule-, antennae-, ovary- and testis-specific expression patterns of T. molitor P450 genes, implying their various potential roles in development, detoxification, immune response, digestion, olfaction and reproduction. Our studies provide a platform to understand the evolution of Tenebrionidea P450 gene superfamily, and a basis for further functional investigation of the T. molitor P450s involved in various biological processes.