Activation of the ROS/CncC Signaling Pathway Regulates Cytochrome P450 CYP4BQ1 Responsible for (+)-α-Pinene Tolerance in Dendroctonus armandi

Bark beetles mainly rely on detoxification enzymes to resist the host tree's defense against oleoresin terpenes. Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) play an important role in the detoxification of plant allelochemicals and pesticides in insect. One P450 gene (DaCYP4BQ1) is associated with the response of (+)-alpha-pinene in Dendroctonus armandi. However, the regulatory mechanism of this P450 gene response to (+)-alpha-pinene is still unknown. In this study, spatiotemporal expression profiling indicated that CYP4BQ1 was highly expressed in adult and larval stages of D. armandi, and it was predominantly expressed in fat body, midgut, and Malpighian tubules of adults. Moreover, the expression of CYP4BQ1 significantly increased after exposure to (+)-alpha-pinene, and depletion of it decreased the tolerance of adults to (+)-alpha-pinene. In addition, (+)-alpha-pinene treatment induced the expression of the transcription factors cap 'n' collar isoform C (CncC) and its binding factor muscle aponeurosis fibromatosis (Maf), elevated the level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Silencing CncC suppressed CYP4BQ1 expression and enhanced the susceptibility of beetles to (+)-alpha-pinene. Similarly, application of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetylcysteine reduced the production and accumulation of H2O2, suppressed the expression of CncC, Maf, and CYP4BQ1 and led to decreased tolerance of adults to (+)-alpha-pinene. In contrast, ingestion of the CncC agonist curcumin elevated CYP4BQ1 expression and enhanced (+)-alpha-pinene tolerance. The results demonstrate that, in D. armandi, (+)-alpha-pinene induces CYP4BQ1 via activation of the ROS/CncC signaling pathway.

Automated summary

This study reveals the important role of cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP4BQ1 in the detoxification process of bark beetles against oleoresin terpenes. CYP4BQ1 is highly expressed in both adult and larval stages of the beetles, particularly in the fat body, midgut, and Malpighian tubules of adults. The expression of CYP4BQ1 is significantly increased after exposure to (+)-alpha-pinene, and its depletion decreases the beetles' tolerance to the compound. Furthermore, (+)-alpha-pinene induces CYP4BQ1 expression through activation of the ROS/CncC signaling pathway.