Functional analysis of AccCPR in Apis cerana cerana under pesticide and heavy metal stress

NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) plays important roles in the metabolism of both endogenous and exogenous compounds through cytochrome P450, and is also involved in the detoxification of insecticides mediated by cytochrome P450. However, the CPR from Apis cerana cerana has not been well characterized and its function is still undescribed. This study isolated the CPR gene from Apis cerana cerana and investigated its functional role in the resistance to pesticide and heavy metal stress. Bioinformatic analysis revealed significant homology between the gene and its counterparts in other species. Functional investigations demonstrated diverse expression and localization patterns of this gene, with AccCPR primarily expressed in muscular tissues and the gut, suggesting its potential roles in flight activities and intestinal barrier function of bees. Furthermore, the expression levels of this gene were significantly modulated under pesticide and heavy metal stress. Notably, the overexpression of AccCPR led to a marked alteration the tolerance to external stressors in E. coli. Additionally, the silencing of the AccCPR gene resulted in a significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity and the expression levels of genes associated with antioxidant functions. Consequently, the mortality rate of Apis cerana cerana under imidacloprid stress was significantly elevated. Taken together, our findings suggest that AccCPR may play a pivotal role in the resistance of Apis cerana cerana to abiotic stresses such as pesticides and heavy metals by regulating antioxidant pathways.