Promiscuity, a Driver of Plant Cytochrome P450 Evolution?

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Plant Science
• Enzymology

Background:

• Plant cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) were traditionally viewed as highly specific enzymes.
• Recent functional data challenge this long-standing dogma, revealing significant promiscuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss the emerging evidence for promiscuous P450 enzymes in plants.
• To explore the implications of P450 promiscuity in plant adaptation, xenobiotic metabolism, and gene evolution.

Main Methods:

• Systematic exploration of plant P450 catalytic capacities.
• Analysis of functional data from various plant P450 families.

Main Results:

• Highly promiscuous P450s identified, particularly in terpenoid pathways and xenobiotic/herbicide metabolism.
• Emerging overlap and interference between endogenous and herbicide metabolism.
• P450 promiscuity correlates with gene duplication, evolutionary expansion, and gene family evolution.

Conclusions:

• Plant P450 enzymes exhibit broader substrate acceptance than previously assumed.
• P450 promiscuity plays a crucial role in plant adaptation and herbicide interactions.
• Understanding P450 catalytic versatility is key to comprehending plant biochemistry and evolution.