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Li XF, Qie XT, Mo BT, Wang CF, Xing ZH, Zhao JY, Wang CZ, Hao C, Ma L, Yan XZ. Functional types of long trichoid sensilla responding to sex pheromone components in Plutella xylostella. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38616579 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Sex pheromones, which consist of multiple components in specific ratios promote intraspecific sexual communications of insects. Plutella xylostella (L.) is a worldwide pest of cruciferous vegetables, the mating behavior of which is highly dependent on its olfactory system. Long trichoid sensilla on male antennae are the main olfactory sensilla that can sense sex pheromones. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, 3 sex pheromone components from sex pheromone gland secretions of P. xylostella female adults were identified as Z11-16:Ald, Z11-16:Ac, and Z11-16:OH in a ratio of 9.4 : 100 : 17 using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry and gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection. Electrophysiological responses of 581 and 385 long trichoid sensilla of male adults and female adults, respectively, to the 3 components were measured by single sensillum recording. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed that the long trichoid sensilla were of 6 different types. In the male antennae, 52.32%, 5.51%, and 1.89% of the sensilla responded to Z11-16:Ald, Z11-16:Ac, and Z11-16:OH, which are named as A type, B type, and C type sensilla, respectively; 2.93% named as D type sensilla responded to both Z11-16:Ald and Z11-16:Ac, and 0.34% named as E type sensilla were sensitive to both Z11-16:Ald and Z11-16:OH. In the female antennae, only 7.53% of long trichoid sensilla responded to the sex pheromone components, A type sensilla were 3.64%, B type and C type sensilla were both 0.52%, D type sensilla were 1.30%, and 1.56% of the sensilla responded to all 3 components, which were named as F type sensilla. The responding long trichoid sensilla were located from the base to the terminal of the male antennae and from the base to the middle of the female antennae. The pheromone mixture (Z11-16:Ald : Z11-16:Ac : Z11-16:OH = 9.4 : 100 : 17) had a weakly repellent effect on female adults of P. xylostella. Our results lay the foundation for further studies on sex pheromone communications in P. xylostella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fei Li
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Xing-Tao Qie
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Bao-Tong Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cai-Feng Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Zeng-Hua Xing
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jin-Yu Zhao
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Chen-Zhu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chi Hao
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Xi-Zhong Yan
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, China
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Goffinet AJ, Darragh K, Saleh N, Ostwald MM, Buchmann SL, Ramirez SR. Individual Variation in Male Pheromone Production in Xylocopa sonorina Correlates with size and Gland Color. J Chem Ecol 2024; 50:1-10. [PMID: 38110848 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-023-01466-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Sex pheromones are species-specific chemical signals that facilitate the location, identification, and selection of mating partners. These pheromones can vary between individuals, and act as signals of mate quality. Here, we investigate the variation of male pheromones in the mesosomal glands of the large carpenter bee Xylocopa sonorina, within a Northern California population. We tested the hypothesis that morphological traits are correlated with the observed variation in chemical blend composition of these bees. We also conducted behavioral assays to test whether these male pheromones act as long-range attractants to conspecifics. We found that larger males with darker mesosomal glands have a higher pheromone amount in their glands. Our analysis also suggests that this pheromone blend functions as a long-range attractant to both males and females. We show that both male body size and sexual maturation are important factors influencing pheromone abundance, and that this pheromone blend acts as a long-range attractant. We hypothesize that this recorded variation in male pheromone could be important for female choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Goffinet
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Kathy Darragh
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Nicholas Saleh
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- School of Natural Sciences, Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, CA, 93702, USA
| | - Madeleine M Ostwald
- Cheadle Center for Biodiversity & Ecological Restoration, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Stephen L Buchmann
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Santiago R Ramirez
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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Schuh E, Cassau S, Ismaieel AR, Stieber R, Krieger J, Hansson BS, Sachse S, Bisch-Knaden S. Females smell differently: characteristics and significance of the most common olfactory sensilla of female silkmoths. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232578. [PMID: 38228178 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In the silkmoth Bombyx mori, the role of male sensilla trichodea in pheromone detection is well established. Here we study the corresponding female sensilla, which contain two olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and come in two lengths, each representing a single physiological type. Only OSNs in medium trichoids respond to the scent of mulberry, the silkworm's exclusive host plant, and are more sensitive in mated females, suggesting a role in oviposition. In long trichoids, one OSN is tuned to (+)-linalool and the other to benzaldehyde and isovaleric acid, both odours emitted by silkworm faeces. While the significance of (+)-linalool detection remains unclear, isovaleric acid repels mated females and may therefore play a role in avoiding crowded oviposition sites. When we examined the underlying molecular components of neurons in female trichoids, we found non-canonical co-expression of Ir8a, the co-receptor for acid responses, and ORco, the co-receptor of odorant receptors, in long trichoids, and the unexpected expression of a specific odorant receptor in both trichoid sensillum types. In addition to elucidating the function of female trichoids, our results suggest that some accepted organizational principles of the insect olfactory system may not apply to the predominant sensilla on the antenna of female B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Schuh
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Research Group Olfactory Coding, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Sina Cassau
- Institute of Biology/Zoology, Department of Animal Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ahmed R Ismaieel
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Regina Stieber
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Krieger
- Institute of Biology/Zoology, Department of Animal Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bill S Hansson
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Silke Sachse
- Research Group Olfactory Coding, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Sonja Bisch-Knaden
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
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Jami L, Zemb T, Casas J, Dufrêche JF. Individual adsorption of low volatility pheromones: Amphiphilic molecules on a clean water-air interface. J Chem Phys 2022; 157:094708. [PMID: 36075737 DOI: 10.1063/5.0110264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions can alter olfactory scent and chemical communication among biological species. In particular, odorant molecules interact with aerosols. Thermodynamics variables governing the adsorption from air to water surface of bombykol, the most studied pheromone, and of three derivative molecules, bombykal, bombykoic acid, and bombykyle acetate, are computed by steered and un-biased molecular dynamics in order to compare the role of their polar head group on adsorption on aqueous aerosols. When adsorbed, the molecule center of mass stands at about 1.2 Å from the interface and oscillates on the same length scale, trapped in an energy well. Gibbs energy of adsorption and desorption time of bombykol are found to be 9.2 kBT and 59 µs, respectively. The following ordering between the molecules is observed, reading from the more to the least adsorbed: bombykoic acid > bombykol > bombykoic acetate > bombykal. It originates from a complex interplay of entropy and enthalpy. The entropy and enthalpy of adsorption are discussed in the light of structural arrangement, H-bonding, and hydrophilic tail positioning of the molecules at the interface. Our results show that, when dispersed in the air, pheromones adsorb on aqueous aerosols. However, the individual residence time is quite short on pure water surfaces. Aerosols can, therefore, only have a decisive influence on chemical communication through collective effects or through their chemical composition that is generally more complex than that of a pure water surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Jami
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR 7261, CNRS-Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - T Zemb
- ICSM, CEA, CNRS, ENSCM, Univ. Montpellier, Marcoule, France
| | - J Casas
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR 7261, CNRS-Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - J-F Dufrêche
- ICSM, CEA, CNRS, ENSCM, Univ. Montpellier, Marcoule, France
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Tom MT, Cortés Llorca L, Bucks S, Bisch-Knaden S, Hansson BS. Sex- and tissue-specific expression of chemosensory receptor genes in a hawkmoth. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.976521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For the nocturnal hawkmoth Manduca sexta, olfactory and gustatory cues are essential for finding partners, food, and oviposition sites. Three chemosensory receptor families, odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), and gustatory receptors (GRs) are involved in the detection of these stimuli. While many chemosensory receptor genes have been identified, knowledge of their expression profile in potentially chemoreceptive organs is incomplete. Here, we studied the expression patterns of chemosensory receptors in different tissues including the antennae, labial palps, proboscis, legs, wings and ovipositor. We compared the receptors’ expression in female and male moths both before and after mating by using the NanoString platform. This tool allowed us to measure expression levels of chemosensory receptor genes in a single reaction using probes designed against 71 OR, 29 IR and 49 GR transcripts. In all tissues investigated, we detected expression of genes from all three receptor families. The highest number of receptors was detected in the antennae (92), followed by the ovipositor (59), while the least number was detected in the hindlegs (21). The highest number of OR genes were expressed in the antennae (63), of which 24 were specific to this main olfactory organ. The highest number of IRs were also expressed in the antennae (16), followed by the ovipositor (15). Likewise, antennae and ovipositor expressed the highest number of GRs (13 and 14). Expression of the OR co-receptor MsexORCo, presumably a prerequisite for OR function, was found in the antennae, labial palps, forelegs and ovipositor. IR co-receptors MsexIR25a and MsexIR76b were expressed across all tested tissues, while expression of the IR co-receptor MsexIR8a was restricted to antennae and ovipositor. Comparing the levels of all 149 transcripts across the nine tested tissues allowed us to identify sex-biased gene expression in the antennae and the legs, two appendages that are also morphologically different between the sexes. However, none of the chemosensory receptors was differentially expressed based on the moths’ mating state. The observed gene expression patterns form a strong base for the functional characterization of chemosensory receptors and the understanding of olfaction and gustation at the molecular level in M. sexta.
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Wang QH, Gao X, Yu HS, Zhang Z, Yu QY. Exploring the Terminal Pathway of Sex Pheromone Biosynthesis and Metabolism in the Silkworm. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12121062. [PMID: 34940150 PMCID: PMC8706005 DOI: 10.3390/insects12121062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Insect sex pheromone biosynthesis has received widespread attention, while the terminal pathway related to aldehyde synthesis and metabolism is still poorly understood at a molecular level. Previous studies found that the silkworm, Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera, Bombycidae), has two pheromone compounds, bombykol and bombykal, with a ratio of 11:1, while its closest wild relative, B. mandarina, only uses bombykol as a pheromone. In this study, sex pheromone gland transcriptomes were compared between the domestic and wild silkworms. All the candidate gene families were identified. Then we used the differentially expressed information, tissue and developmental expression profiles, and phylogenetic analysis to identify the putative causal genes involved in the terminal pathway. Our findings provide insights into the aldehyde synthesis and metabolism pathways and evolutionary conservation in moths. Abstract Sex pheromones are vital to sexual communication and reproduction in insects. Although some key enzymes in pheromone production have been well studied, information on genes involved in the terminal pathway is limited. The domestic silkworm employs a pheromone blend containing (E,Z)-10,12-hexadecadienol (bombykol) and analogous (E,Z)-10,12-hexadecadienal (bombykal); whereas, its wild ancestor B. mandarina uses only bombykol. The two closely related moths might be a good model for exploring the genes involved in aldehyde pheromone synthesis and metabolism. By deep sequencing and analyzing the sex pheromone gland (PG) transcriptomes; we identified 116 candidate genes that may be related to pheromone biosynthesis, metabolism, and chemoreception. Spatiotemporal expression profiles and differentially expressed analysis revealed that four alcohol oxidases (BmorAO1; 2; 3; and 4); one aldehyde reductase (BmorAR1); and one aldehyde oxidase (BmorAOX5) might be involved in the terminal pathway. Phylogenetic analysis showed that, except for BmorAO3 and MsexAO3, AOs did not show a conversed orthologous relationship among moths; whereas, ARs and AOXs were phylogenetically conserved. This study provides crucial candidates for further functional elucidation, and which may be utilized as potential targets to disrupt sexual communication in other moth pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hai Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (Q.-H.W.); (X.G.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Xing Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (Q.-H.W.); (X.G.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Hong-Song Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China;
| | - Ze Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (Q.-H.W.); (X.G.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Quan-You Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (Q.-H.W.); (X.G.); (Z.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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Crystal structure of Epiphyas postvittana pheromone binding protein 3. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16366. [PMID: 33004932 PMCID: PMC7530677 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73294-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The insect olfactory system operates as a well-choreographed ensemble of molecules which functions to selectively translate volatile chemical messages present in the environment into neuronal impulses that guide insect behaviour. Of these molecules, binding proteins are believed to transport hydrophobic odorant molecules across the aqueous lymph present in antennal sensilla to receptors present in olfactory sensory neurons. Though the exact mechanism through which these proteins operate is still under investigation, these carriers clearly play a critical role in determining what an insect can smell. Binding proteins that transport important sex pheromones are colloquially named pheromone binding proteins (PBPs). Here, we have produced a functional recombinant PBP from the horticultural pest, Epiphyas postvittana (EposPBP3), and experimentally solved its apo-structure through X-ray crystallography to a resolution of 2.60 Å. Structural comparisons with related lepidopteran PBPs further allowed us to propose models for the binding of pheromone components to EposPBP3. The data presented here represent the first structure of an olfactory-related protein from the tortricid family of moths, whose members cause billions of dollars in losses to agricultural producers each year. Knowledge of the structure of these important proteins will allow for subsequent studies in which novel, olfactory molecule-specific insecticides can be developed.
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Xu J, Liu W, Yang D, Chen S, Chen K, Liu Z, Yang X, Meng J, Zhu G, Dong S, Zhang Y, Zhan S, Wang G, Huang Y. Regulation of olfactory-based sex behaviors in the silkworm by genes in the sex-determination cascade. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008622. [PMID: 32520935 PMCID: PMC7307793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect courtship and mating depend on integration of olfactory, visual, and tactile cues. Compared to other insects, Bombyx mori, the domesticated silkworm, has relatively simple sexual behaviors as it cannot fly. Here by using CRISPR/Cas9 and electrophysiological techniques we found that courtship and mating behaviors are regulated in male silk moths by mutating genes in the sex determination cascade belonging to two conserved pathways. Loss of Bmdsx gene expression significantly reduced the peripheral perception of the major pheromone component bombykol by reducing expression of the product of the BmOR1 gene which completely blocked courtship in adult males. Interestingly, we found that mating behavior was regulated independently by another sexual differentiation gene, Bmfru. Loss of Bmfru completely blocked mating, but males displayed normal courtship behavior. Lack of Bmfru expression significantly reduced the perception of the minor pheromone component bombykal due to the down regulation of BmOR3 expression; further, functional analysis revealed that loss of the product of BmOR3 played a key role in terminating male mating behavior. Our results suggest that Bmdsx and Bmfru are at the base of the two primary pathways that regulate olfactory-based sexual behavior. The fundamental insect sexual behaviors, courtship and mating, result from successful integration of olfactory, vision, tactile and other complex innate behaviors. In the widely used insect model, Drosophila melanogaster, the sex determination cascade genes fruitless and doublesex are involved in the regulation of courtship and mating behaviors; however, little is known about the function of these sexual differentiation genes in regulating sex behaviors of Lepidoptera. Here we combine genetics and electrophysiology to investigate regulation pathway of sexual behaviors in the model lepidopteran insect, the domesticated silk moth, Bombyx mori. Our results support the presence of two genetic pathways in B. mori, named Bmdsx-BmOR1-bombykol and Bmfru-BmOR3-bombykal, which control distinct aspects of male sexual behavior that are modulated by olfaction. This is the first comprehensive report about the role of sex differentiation genes in the male sexual behavior in the silk moth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dehong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuqing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zulian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Meng
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanheng Zhu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuanglin Dong
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Shuai Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Guirong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (GW); (YH)
| | - Yongping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (GW); (YH)
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Fujii T, Sakurai T, Mitsuno H, Matsuyama S, Shiota Y, Ito K, Yokoyama T, Nishioka T, Katsuma S, Kanzaki R, Ishikawa Y. Pheromonal activities of the bombykol isomer, (10E,12E)-10,12-hexadecadien-1-ol, in the pheromone gland of the silkmoth Bombyx mori. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 121:104018. [PMID: 31987809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2020.104018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Bombykol (EZ) is the single component of the female sex pheromone in the silkmoth Bombyx mori. EZ alone evokes full courtship behaviors from conspecific males; however, its geometric isomer (EE) was consistently detected in the pheromone glands (PG) of 16 B. mori strains and a field population of the wild silkmoth Bombyx mandarina, which also uses EZ as the single pheromone component. We investigated the pheromonal activities of EE using a commercial hybrid strain of B. mori, Kinshu × Showa. The behavioral assay demonstrated that a 104-105-fold higher dose of EE than EZ was able to elicit behavioral responses from males. To elucidate whether the trace contaminant of EZ in the EE standard is responsible for these responses, we examined the responses of male antennae to EE using a gas chromatograph-electroantennographic detector system (GC-EAD). The EE, at high doses elicited marginal responses from the male antennae. We next examined antennal and behavioral responses of B. mori whose BmOR1 gene, which is responsible for the reception of bombykol, was knocked out. The knockout of BmOR1 resulted in the complete loss of antennal and behavioral responses to EE and EZ, demonstrating that if EE itself is active, it induces these responses via the incidental stimulation of BmOR1, not via the stimulation of EE-specific receptors. The existence of EE in the PG of B. mori and B. mandarina is discussed from the viewpoints of pheromone biosynthesis and the evolution of pheromone communication systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Fujii
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan; Department of Biological Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Sakurai
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan; Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Mitsuno
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Shigeru Matsuyama
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Yusuke Shiota
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Ito
- Department of Biological Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoyama
- Department of Biological Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Takaaki Nishioka
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Susumu Katsuma
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Ryohei Kanzaki
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Yukio Ishikawa
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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10
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In vivo functional characterisation of pheromone binding protein-1 in the silkmoth, Bombyx mori. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13529. [PMID: 30202026 PMCID: PMC6131395 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31978-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Male moths detect sex pheromones emitted by conspecific females with high sensitivity and specificity by the olfactory sensilla on their antennae. Pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) are highly enriched in the sensillum lymph of pheromone sensitive olfactory sensilla and are supposed to contribute to the sensitivity and selectivity of pheromone detection in moths. However, the functional role of PBPs in moth sex pheromone detection in vivo remains obscure. In the silkmoth, Bombyx mori, female moths emit bombykol as a single attractive sex pheromone component along with a small amount of bombykal that negatively modulates the behavioural responses to bombykol. A pair of olfactory receptor neurons, specifically tuned to bombykol or bombykal, co-localise in the trichodeum sensilla, the sensillum lymph of which contains a single PBP, namely, BmPBP1. We analysed the roles of BmPBP1 using BmPBP1-knockout silkmoth lines generated by transcription activator-like effector nuclease-mediated gene targeting. Electroantennogram analysis revealed that the peak response amplitudes of BmPBP1-knockout male antennae to bombykol and bombykal were significantly reduced by a similar percentage when compared with those of the wild-type males. Our results indicate that BmPBP1 plays a crucial role in enhancing the sensitivity, but not the selectivity, of sex pheromone detection in silkmoths.
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Venthur H, Zhou JJ. Odorant Receptors and Odorant-Binding Proteins as Insect Pest Control Targets: A Comparative Analysis. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1163. [PMID: 30197600 PMCID: PMC6117247 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, two alternative targets in insect periphery nerve system have been explored for environmentally-friendly approaches in insect pest management, namely odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and odorant receptors (ORs). Located in insect antennae, OBPs are thought to be involved in the transport of odorants to ORs for the specific signal transduction of behaviorally active odorants. There is rich information on OBP binding affinity and molecular docking to bioactive compounds as well as ample 3D crystal structures due to feasible production of recombinant proteins. Although these provide excellent opportunities for them to be considered as pest control targets and a tool to design pest control agents, the debates on their binding specificity represent an obstacle. On the other hand, ORs have recently been functionally characterized with increasing evidence for their specificity, sensitivity and functional roles in pest behaviors. However, a major barrier to use ORs for semiochemical discovery is the lack of 3D crystal structures. Thus, OBPs and ORs have not been analyzed comparatively together so far for their feasibility as pest control targets. Here, we summarize the state of OBPs and ORs research in terms of its application in insect pest management. We discuss the suitability of both proteins as pest control targets and their selection toward the discovery of new potent semiochemicals. We argue that both proteins represent promising targets for pest control and can be used to identify new super-ligands likely present in nature and with reduced risk of resistance development than insect pesticides currently used in agriculture. We discuss that with the massive identification of OBPs through RNA-seq and improved binding affinity measurements, these proteins could be reconsidered as suitable targets for semiochemical discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Venthur
- Laboratorio de Química Ecológica, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Center of Excellence in Biotechnology Research Applied to the Environment (CIBAMA), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jing-Jiang Zhou
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
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Namiki S, Wada S, Kanzaki R. Descending neurons from the lateral accessory lobe and posterior slope in the brain of the silkmoth Bombyx mori. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9663. [PMID: 29941958 PMCID: PMC6018430 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27954-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A population of descending neurons connect the brain and thoracic motor center, playing a critical role in controlling behavior. We examined the anatomical organization of descending neurons (DNs) in the brain of the silkmoth Bombyx mori. Moth pheromone orientation is a good model to investigate neuronal mechanisms of behavior. Based on mass staining and single-cell staining, we evaluated the anatomical organization of neurite distribution by DNs in the brain. Dense innervation was observed in the posterior-ventral part of the brain called the posterior slope (PS). We analyzed the morphology of DNs innervating the lateral accessory lobe (LAL), which is considered important for moth olfactory behavior. We observed that all LAL DNs also innervate the PS, suggesting the integration of signals from the LAL and PS. We also identified a set of DNs innervating the PS but not the LAL. These DNs were sensitive to the sex pheromone, suggesting a role of the PS in motor control for pheromone processing. Here we discuss the organization of descending pathways for pheromone orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigehiro Namiki
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan.
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Nirazawa T, Fujii T, Seki Y, Namiki S, Kazawa T, Kanzaki R, Ishikawa Y. Morphology and physiology of antennal lobe projection neurons in the hawkmoth Agrius convolvuli. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 98:214-222. [PMID: 28118991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The neuronal pathways involved in the processing of sex pheromone information were investigated in the hawkmoth Agrius convolvuli (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), which uses (E,E)-11,13-hexadecadienal (E11,E13-16:Ald) as the single sex pheromone component. We first clarified the anatomical organization of the antennal lobe of A. convolvuli. Subsequently, central neurons in the antennal lobe that responded to E11,E13-16:Ald were identified. The dendritic processes of these neurons were confined within a specific glomerulus (cumulus) in the antennal lobe. The axons of these neurons projected to the inferior lateral protocerebrum and mushroom body calyx. Although the anatomical organization and morphology of individual neurons in A. convolvuli were similar to other species in the superfamily Bombycoidea, the use of cumulus as the single pathway for sex pheromone information processing was characteristic to this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Nirazawa
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan; Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8567, Japan
| | - Takeshi Fujii
- Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8567, Japan.
| | - Yoichi Seki
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Shigehiro Namiki
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Tomoki Kazawa
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Ryohei Kanzaki
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Yukio Ishikawa
- Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8567, Japan
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Uehara T, Kitahara H, Naka H, Matsuyama S, Ando T, Honda H. Single-Component Pheromone Consisting of Bombykal in a Diurnal Hawk Moth, Neogurelca himachala sangaica. J Chem Ecol 2016; 42:517-22. [PMID: 27300505 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-016-0714-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent work has suggested that hawk moths share pheromone components but are sexually separated by qualitative and quantitative differences in their pheromone blends. During field assays on the sex pheromones of other species, a diurnal hawk moth, Neogurelca himachala sangaica (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), was frequently captured, but the composition of the sex pheromone of this species was not known. Analysis of hexane extracts of the pheromone glands of calling female by gas chromatography (GC) using an electroantennographic detector (EAD) revealed two components that elicited EAD responses from male moth antennae. These components were identified by their mass spectra and retention indices on two GC columns as (10E,12Z)-10,12-hexadecadienal (E10,Z12-16:Ald) and a trace of its (10E,12E)-isomer (E10,E12-16:Ald) in 98:2 ratio. In field experiments, E10,Z12-16:Ald alone attracted male moths, and addition of E10,E12-16:Ald significantly reduced the attractiveness, even at the naturally-occurring ratio. Analysis of the data using a generalized linear mixed model showed that E10,Z12-16:Ald positively contributed to attractiveness, whereas E10,E12-16:Ald did so negatively, and it was concluded that the sex pheromone of N. himachala sangaica consists solely of E10,Z12-16:Ald, bombykal. The negative effect of E10,E12-16:Ald on attractiveness could promote the species-specificity of this single-component pheromone system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Uehara
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS), Ohwashi 1-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8634, Japan. .,Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Kitahara
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Hideshi Naka
- Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Koyama Minami, Tottori, 680-8553, Japan
| | - Shigeru Matsuyama
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Tetsu Ando
- Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Honda
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan
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Holdcraft R, Rodriguez-Saona C, Stelinski LL. Pheromone Autodetection: Evidence and Implications. INSECTS 2016; 7:insects7020017. [PMID: 27120623 PMCID: PMC4931429 DOI: 10.3390/insects7020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Olfactory communication research with insects utilizing sex pheromones has focused on the effects of pheromones on signal receivers. Early pheromone detection studies using the silkworm moth, Bombyx mori L., and Saturniids led to the assumption that emitters, especially females, are unable to detect their own pheromone. Pheromone anosmia, i.e., the inability of females to detect their conspecific sex pheromone, was often assumed, and initially little attention was paid to female behaviors that may result from autodetection, i.e., the ability of females to detect their sex pheromone. Detection of conspecific pheromone plumes from nearby females may provide information to improve chances of mating success and progeny survival. Since the first documented example in 1972, numerous occurrences of autodetection have been observed and verified in field and laboratory studies. We summarize here a significant portion of research relating to autodetection. Electrophysiological and behavioral investigations, as well as expression patterns of proteins involved in pheromone autodetection are included. We discuss problems inherent in defining a boundary between sex and aggregation pheromones considering the occurrence of autodetection, and summarize hypothesized selection pressures favoring autodetection. Importance of including autodetection studies in future work is emphasized by complications arising from a lack of knowledge combined with expanding the use of pheromones in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Holdcraft
- Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension, Rutgers University, 125A Lake Oswego Road, Chatsworth, NJ 08019, USA.
| | - Cesar Rodriguez-Saona
- Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension, Rutgers University, 125A Lake Oswego Road, Chatsworth, NJ 08019, USA.
| | - Lukasz L Stelinski
- Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, FL 33850, USA.
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Zhang J, Walker WB, Wang G. Pheromone reception in moths: from molecules to behaviors. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2014; 130:109-28. [PMID: 25623339 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Male moths detect and find their mates using species-specific sex pheromones emitted by conspecific females. Olfaction plays a vital role in this behavior. Since the first discovery of an insect sex pheromone from the silkmoth Bombyx mori, great efforts have been spent on understanding the sensing of the pheromones in vivo. Much progress has been made in elucidating the molecular mechanisms that mediate chemoreception in insects in the past few decades. In this review, we focus on pheromone reception and detection in moths, from the molecular to the behavioral level. We trace the information pathway from the capture of pheromone by male antennae, binding and transportation to olfactory receptor neurons, receptor activation, signal transduction, molecule inactivation, through brain processing and behavioral response. We highlight the impact of recent studies and also provide our insights into pheromone processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - William B Walker
- Chemical Ecology Research Group, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Guirong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China.
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Namiki S, Daimon T, Iwatsuki C, Shimada T, Kanzaki R. Antennal lobe organization and pheromone usage in bombycid moths. Biol Lett 2014; 10:20140096. [PMID: 24759369 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2014.0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the neuroanatomy of the macroglomerular complex (MGC), which is involved in sex pheromone processing, in five species in the subfamily Bombycinae, including Ernolatia moorei, Trilocha varians, Rondotia menciana, Bombyx mandarina and Bombyx mori. The glomerulus located at the dorsal-most part of the olfactory centre shows the largest volume in moth species examined to date. Such normal glomerular organization has been observed in E. moorei and T. varians, which use a two-component mixture and includes the compound bombykal as a mating signal. By contrast, the other three species, which use another component as a single attractant, exhibited a modified arrangement of the MGC. This correlation between pheromone usage and neural organization may be useful for understanding the process of speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigehiro Namiki
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, , Tokyo, Japan
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Sakurai T, Namiki S, Kanzaki R. Molecular and neural mechanisms of sex pheromone reception and processing in the silkmoth Bombyx mori. Front Physiol 2014; 5:125. [PMID: 24744736 PMCID: PMC3978319 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Male moths locate their mates using species-specific sex pheromones emitted by conspecific females. One striking feature of sex pheromone recognition in males is the high degree of specificity and sensitivity at all levels, from the primary sensory processes to behavior. The silkmoth Bombyx mori is an excellent model insect in which to decipher the underlying mechanisms of sex pheromone recognition due to its simple sex pheromone communication system, where a single pheromone component, bombykol, elicits the full sexual behavior of male moths. Various technical advancements that cover all levels of analysis from molecular to behavioral also allow the systematic analysis of pheromone recognition mechanisms. Sex pheromone signals are detected by pheromone receptors expressed in olfactory receptor neurons in the pheromone-sensitive sensilla trichodea on male antennae. The signals are transmitted to the first olfactory processing center, the antennal lobe (AL), and then are processed further in the higher centers (mushroom body and lateral protocerebrum) to elicit orientation behavior toward females. In recent years, significant progress has been made elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the detection of sex pheromones. In addition, extensive studies of the AL and higher centers have provided insights into the neural basis of pheromone processing in the silkmoth brain. This review describes these latest advances, and discusses what these advances have revealed about the mechanisms underlying the specific and sensitive recognition of sex pheromones in the silkmoth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Sakurai
- Intelligent Cooperative Systems, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo Meguro-ku, Japan
| | - Shigehiro Namiki
- Intelligent Cooperative Systems, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo Meguro-ku, Japan
| | - Ryohei Kanzaki
- Intelligent Cooperative Systems, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo Meguro-ku, Japan
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Bisch-Knaden S, Daimon T, Shimada T, Hansson BS, Sachse S. Anatomical and functional analysis of domestication effects on the olfactory system of the silkmoth Bombyx mori. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 281:20132582. [PMID: 24258720 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.2582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The silkmoth Bombyx mori is the main producer of silk worldwide and has furthermore become a model organism in biological research, especially concerning chemical communication. However, the impact domestication might have had on the silkmoth's olfactory sense has not yet been investigated. Here, we show that the pheromone detection system in B. mori males when compared with their wild ancestors Bombyx mandarina seems to have been preserved, while the perception of environmental odorants in both sexes of domesticated silkmoths has been degraded. In females, this physiological impairment was mirrored by a clear reduction in olfactory sensillum numbers. Neurophysiological experiments with hybrids between wild and domesticated silkmoths suggest that the female W sex chromosome, so far known to have the sole function of determining femaleness, might be involved in the detection of environmental odorants. Moreover, the coding of odorants in the brain, which is usually similar among closely related moths, differs strikingly between B. mori and B. mandarina females. These results indicate that domestication has had a strong impact on odour detection and processing in the olfactory model species B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Bisch-Knaden
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, , Jena, Germany, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, , Tsukuba, Japan, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, , Tokyo, Japan
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