Two P450 genes encoding CYP6A41 and CYP6EK1 were cloned from the oriental fruit fly using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) techniques. CYP6A41 and CYP6EK1 contained open reading frames of 1,530 and 1,524 nucleotides that encode 510 and 508 amino acid residues, respectively. The putative proteins shared 44% identity with each other. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CYP6A41 and CYP6EK1 were most closely related to Ceratitis capitata CYP6A10 and CYP6A subfamily. Expression patterns of the two genes in different geographical populations (Yunnan, Hainan, Dongguang, and Guangzhou), developmental stages (eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults), and tissues (midguts, fat bodies, and Malpighian tubules) were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) methods. The results showed that the expression levels of CYP6EK1 were significantly different among the four populations, but were not different for CYP6A41. Both the expressions of CYP6A41 and CYP6EK1 were development specific and had significantly higher levels in the larval stage. The expression of CYP6A41 did not vary among the midgut, fat body, or Malpighian tubules; however, CYP6EK1 expression was higher in the Malpighian tubules. The results suggest that CYP6A41 and CYP6EK1 might be involved in detoxification of xenobiotic compounds that were harmful to larval flies or development. Moreover, high expression of CYP6EK1 in the Malpighian tubules also implied participation in detoxification.
© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.