Characterization and functional analysis of UDP-glycosyltransferases reveal their contribution to phytochemical flavone tolerance in Spodoptera litura.

Efficient detoxification is the key factor for phytophagous insect to adapt to phytochemicals. However, the role of uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) in insect anti-defense to phytochemical flavone is largely unknown. In this study, 52 UGT genes were identified in Spodoptera litura and they presented evident gene duplication.

Role of the epsilon glutathione S-transferases in xanthotoxin tolerance in Spodoptera litura.

Spodoptera litura, a polyphagous lepidopteran pest, demonstrates a remarkable capacity to adapt to varying host plants by efficiently detoxifying phytochemicals. However, the underlying mechanism for this adaptation is not well understood. Herein, twenty eplison glutathione S-transferase genes (GSTes) were characterized and their roles in phytochemical tolerance were analyzed in S.

CYP321A Subfamily P450s Contribute to the Detoxification of Phytochemicals and Pyrethroids in .

Although the induction of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases involved in insect detoxification has been well documented, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain obscure. In , CYP321A subfamily members were effectively induced by exposure to flavone, xanthotoxin, curcumin, and λ-cyhalothrin, while knockdown of the CYP321A genes increased larval susceptibility to these xenobiotics. Homology modeling and molecular docking analyses showed that these four xenobiotics could stably bind to the CYP321A enzymes.

Nuclear receptors potentially regulate phytochemical detoxification in Spodoptera litura.

Phytochemicals are a class of potential pesticides for pest control. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the development of Spodoptera litura is suppressed by two phytochemicals, flavone and xanthotoxin. Generally, phytochemical is metabolized by insect detoxification enzyme systems.