CYP81A10v7 P450 Variants for Multi-Mode Herbicide Resistance in Crops
Research platform characterizing 12 CYP81A10v7 cytochrome P450 variants from Lolium rigidum to determine their capacity to confer metabolic resistance to herbicides across multiple modes of action, including diclofop, chlorsulfuron, and tralkoxydim. Transgenic rice calli assays enable rapid profiling of resistance levels and patterns for each variant, supporting development of herbicide-tolerant crops and resistance management strategies.
Overview
A cytochrome P450 gene, CYP81A10v7, isolated from Lolium rigidum (annual ryegrass) has been shown to confer metabolic resistance to herbicides spanning at least five modes of action. Up to 12 closely related CYP81A10v7 variants (96%–100% amino acid identity) have been identified in both resistant and susceptible weed populations. This research program systematically expresses each variant in transgenic rice calli to determine how individual amino acid differences alter the level and pattern of herbicide metabolism. The work addresses a critical need in global agriculture: understanding the genetic basis of metabolic herbicide resistance to inform both herbicide-tolerant crop development and sustainable weed management.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Characterization of 12 CYP81A10v7 P450 variants differing by 0%–4% in amino acid sequence
- Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of rice with each variant cDNA, using GFP as a control
- Sensitivity profiling of transgenic rice calli against diclofop-methyl (ACCase inhibitor), chlorsulfuron (ALS inhibitor), and tralkoxydim (cyclohexanedione), plus additional modes of action
- Quantitative comparison of resistance levels and cross-resistance patterns conferred by each variant
- PC2 containment facility and full gene transformation infrastructure provided by the University of Western Australia
Potential applications:
- Development of herbicide-tolerant crop cultivars through transgenic expression of selected variants
- Diagnostic markers for monitoring metabolic resistance evolution in weed populations
- Guidance for herbicide rotation and stewardship programs based on variant-specific resistance spectra
Technology readiness level
The research is at an early-to-mid experimental stage. The parent CYP81A10v7 gene has already been functionally validated through an ARC Linkage Project with an industry partner, confirming its role in metabolic resistance across multiple herbicide modes of action. The current program extends this work by characterizing the remaining 11 variants. The project has an estimated duration of one year for rice transformation, calli screening, and resistance profiling. Outputs are expected to be publishable in peer-reviewed plant science journals and to generate intellectual property relevant to crop biotechnology and weed science. The technology readiness level is consistent with early-stage functional validation in a model plant system, prior to field evaluation or commercial crop development.
About University of Western Australia
The University of Western Australia is a comprehensive public research university in Perth and a flagship for the state, pairing a global outlook with deep regional engagement. Industry partners access co-located facilities at a major hospital precinct for clinical translation, field sites across Western Australia for real-world trials, and shared marine and coastal infrastructure on the Indian Ocean. Engagement models include structured internships and executive education, with a dedicated technology transfer office that supports IP strategy, licensing, and venture creation. Research is underpinned by competitive state and federal funding, including the Australian Research Council and National Health and Medical Research Council, and participation in Cooperative Research Centres.
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