Cytochrome P450s and partial resistance against Phytophthora sojae in soybean.

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases are one of the largest plant protein families. They participate in the biosynthesis of a variety of molecules such as sterols, hormones, fatty acids, pigments, signaling molecules, structural polymers, and phenylpropanoids. Plant stress response is initiated by the above molecules that promote resilience against pests and pathogens including Phytophthora sojae by acting as a physical barrier, antimicrobial compound and signaling molecules. Here, we identified 359 GmP450 corresponding to 342 soybean genes that are involved in a wide array of metabolic pathways, and specifically looked at their role in partial resistance against P. sojae. Our results reveal that 21 root-specific GmP450s are induced upon P. sojae infection in soybean. GmP450 candidates belonging to CYP71, CYP81, CYP93 and CYP736 families are also co-expressed upon P. sojae infection and co-locate with QTLs associated with resistance against P. sojae infection. An overall analysis of GmP450s in soybean showed that members of the CYP71, CYP82 and CYP93 play an essential role in the partial resistance mechanism of soybean in providing inherent immunity for the plant.