The Role of Insect Cytochrome P450s in Mediating Insecticide Resistance

Abstract

In many organisms, cytochrome P450 enzymes are the primary detoxifying enzymes. Enhanced P450 activity can be mediated by the emergence of new genes, increased transcription due to mutations in the promoter regions, changes in enzyme structures and functions due to mutations in protein-coding regions, or changes in post-translational modifications; all of these changes are subject to insecticide selection pressure. Multiple signalling pathways and key effector molecules are involved in the regulation of insect P450s. Increased P450 activity is a key mechanism inducing insect resistance. Hence, downregulation of selected P450s is a promising strategy to overcome this resistance. Insect P450 inhibitors that act as insecticide synergists, RNA interference to induce P450 gene silencing, and the use of transgenic insects and crops are examples of strategies utilized to overcome resistance. This article reviews the latest advances in studies related to insect P450s-mediated agrochemical resistance, with focuses on the regulatory mechanisms and associated pest management strategies. Future investigations on the comprehensive regulatory pathways of P450-mediated detoxification, identification of key effectors, and downregulation strategies for P450s will ecologically, economically, and practically improve pest management.