10.3389/fphys.2018.01608.s005 Weixing Zhang Weixing Zhang Wenfeng Chen Wenfeng Chen Zhenfang Li Zhenfang Li Lanting Ma Lanting Ma Jing Yu Jing Yu Hongfang Wang Hongfang Wang Zhenguo Liu Zhenguo Liu Baohua Xu Baohua Xu Image_5_Identification and Characterization of Three New Cytochrome P450 Genes and the Use of RNA Interference to Evaluate Their Roles in Antioxidant Defense in Apis cerana cerana Fabricius.TIF Frontiers 2018 Apis cerana cerana Fabricius cytochrome P450s RNA interference abiotic stresses antioxidant enzyme 2018-11-15 14:36:00 Figure https://frontiersin.figshare.com/articles/figure/Image_5_Identification_and_Characterization_of_Three_New_Cytochrome_P450_Genes_and_the_Use_of_RNA_Interference_to_Evaluate_Their_Roles_in_Antioxidant_Defense_in_Apis_cerana_cerana_Fabricius_TIF/7346834 <p>Cytochrome P450s play critical roles in maintaining redox homeostasis and protecting organisms from the accumulation of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). The biochemical functions of the P450 family have essentially been associated with the metabolism of xenobiotics. Here, we sequenced and characterized three P450 genes, AccCYP314A1, AccCYP4AZ1, and AccCYP6AS5, from Apis cerana cerana Fabricius; these genes play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis indicated that the three genes were all predominantly expressed in the epidermis (EP), followed by the brain (BR) and midgut (MG). In addition, the highest expression levels were detected in the dark-eyed pupae and adult stages. The three genes were induced by temperature (4°C and 44°C), heavy metals (CdCl<sub>2</sub> and HgCl<sub>2</sub>), pesticides (DDV, deltamethrin, and paraquat) and UV treatments. Furthermore, Western blot analysis indicated that the protein expression levels could be induced by some abiotic stressors, a result that complements the qPCR results. We analyzed the silencing of these three genes and found that silencing these genes enhanced the enzymatic activities of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT). Additionally, we investigated the expression of other antioxidant genes and found that some were upregulated, while others were downregulated, suggesting that the upregulated genes may be involved in compensating for the silencing of AccCYP314A1, AccCYP4AZ1, and AccCYP6AS5. Our findings suggest that AccCYP314A1, AccCYP4AZ1, and AccCYP6AS5 may play very significant roles in the antioxidant defense against damage caused by ROS.</p>