CYP51 — Sorghum bicolor

Summary

SORBI_3005G161500, designated CYP51 on sorghum chromosome 5, encodes a cytochrome P450 sterol 14-demethylase (EC 1.14.14.154) with monooxygenase, heme-binding and iron-binding activities. The gene is associated with sterol biosynthesis and metabolism, demethylation, and the biosynthesis of terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids and sesquiterpenes. It has been linked to pollen tube development, digestion, and response to molecules of fungal origin. The product localises to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Studies of related genes in other species connect the CYP51 family to additional cytochrome P450 activities, including ent-kaurenoic acid monooxygenase and various hydroxylases involved in secondary metabolism.