Role of Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase in Plant Antioxidant Metabolism

The principal role of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) monooxygenase in plants is catalyzing several oxygenation reactions in the metabolism of both secondary and primary metabolites. The most important function of CYP450 in the metabolism of antioxidants is to catalyze the enzymatic oxygenation of phenols, and thereby facilitate the formation of various plant-derived antioxidant molecules. It has been suggested that CYP450-catalyzed oxidation of phenols may be responsible for the generation of antioxidant molecules, which can then be used by plants to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, CYP450-catalyzed oxygenation of phenols may also contribute to the formation of ROS-scavenging metabolites, which can help to protect plants from oxidative stress. The antioxidant effects of CYP450-mediated oxidation of phenols have been demonstrated in several model plant systems. For example, in Arabidopsis thaliana , a model plant, the oxygenation of flavonols and others phenolic compounds in the shikimate pathway by CYP450 enzymes has been implicated in the formation of molecules that can scavenge ROS, and have been shown to be important in improving the plant’s tolerance to stress. Additionally, several other studies have shown that in plants such as tobacco, soybean, and alfalfa, CYP450-catalyzed oxygenation of phenols can result in the production of various antioxidant molecules, which are crucial for scavenging ROS and protecting the plant from oxidative stress. Therefore, it is obvious that CYP450 plays a major role in antioxidant metabolism in plants. Its oxygenation of phenols can facilitate the formation of various molecules, which are important for scavenging ROS, and thereby increase the plant’s tolerance to oxidative stress.