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Adavi ED, Dos Anjos VL, Kotb S, Metz HC, Tian D, Zhao Z, Zung JL, Rose NH, McBride CS. Olfactory receptor coexpression and co-option in the dengue mosquito. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.21.608847. [PMID: 39229077 PMCID: PMC11370346 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.21.608847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
The olfactory sensory neurons of vinegar flies and mice tend to express a single ligand-specific receptor. While this 'one neuron-one receptor' motif has long been expected to apply broadly across insects, recent evidence suggests it may not extend to mosquitoes. We sequenced and analyzed the transcriptomes of 46,000 neurons from antennae of the dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti to resolve all olfactory, thermosensory, and hygrosensory neuron subtypes and identify the receptors expressed therein. We find that half of all olfactory subtypes coexpress multiple receptors. However, coexpression occurs almost exclusively among genes from the same family-among odorant receptors (ORs) or among ionotropic receptors (IRs). Coexpression of ORs with IRs is exceedingly rare. Many coexpressed receptors are recent duplicates. In other cases, the recruitment or co-option of single receptors by multiple neuron subtypes has placed these genes together in the same cells with distant paralogs. Close examination of data from Drosophila reveal rare cases of both phenomena, indicating that the olfactory systems of these two species are not fundamentally different, but instead fall at different locations along a continuum likely to encompass diverse insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha David Adavi
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Vitor L Dos Anjos
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Summer Kotb
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Hillery C Metz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - David Tian
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Zhilei Zhao
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Jessica L Zung
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Noah H Rose
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Carolyn S McBride
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University; Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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Wulff JP, Hickner PV, Watson DW, Denning SS, Belikoff EJ, Scott MJ. Antennal transcriptome analysis reveals sensory receptors potentially associated with host detection in the livestock pest Lucilia cuprina. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:308. [PMID: 39026238 PMCID: PMC11256703 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06391-6] [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: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is the main causative agent of flystrike of sheep in Australia and New Zealand. Female flies lay eggs in an open wound or natural orifice, and the developing larvae eat the host's tissues, a condition called myiasis. To improve our understanding of host-seeking behavior, we quantified gene expression in male and female antennae based on their behavior. METHODS A spatial olfactometer was used to evaluate the olfactory response of L. cuprina mated males and gravid females to fresh or rotting beef. Antennal RNA-Seq analysis was used to identify sensory receptors differentially expressed between groups. RESULTS Lucilia cuprina females were more attracted to rotten compared to fresh beef (> fivefold increase). However, males and some females did not respond to either type of beef. RNA-Seq analysis was performed on antennae dissected from attracted females, non-attracted females and males. Transcripts encoding sensory receptors from 11 gene families were identified above a threshold (≥ 5 transcript per million) including 49 ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABCs), two ammonium transporters (AMTs), 37 odorant receptors (ORs), 16 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 5 gustatory receptors (GRs), 22 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 9 CD36-sensory neuron membrane proteins (CD36/SNMPs), 4 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 4 myeloid lipid-recognition (ML) and Niemann-Pick C2 disease proteins (ML/NPC2), 2 pickpocket receptors (PPKs) and 3 transient receptor potential channels (TRPs). Differential expression analyses identified sex-biased sensory receptors. CONCLUSIONS We identified sensory receptors that were differentially expressed between the antennae of both sexes and hence may be associated with host detection by female flies. The most promising for future investigations were as follows: an odorant receptor (LcupOR46) which is female-biased in L. cuprina and Cochliomyia hominivorax Coquerel, 1858; an ABC transporter (ABC G23.1) that was the sole sensory receptor upregulated in the antennae of females attracted to rotting beef compared to non-attracted females; a female-biased ammonia transporter (AMT_Rh50), which was previously associated with ammonium detection in Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830. This is the first report suggesting a possible role for ABC transporters in L. cuprina olfaction and potentially in other insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Wulff
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Paul V Hickner
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX, 78028-9184, USA
| | - David W Watson
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Steven S Denning
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Esther J Belikoff
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Maxwell J Scott
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
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Pflüger T, Gschell M, Zhang L, Shnitsar V, Zabadné AJ, Zierep P, Günther S, Einsle O, Andrade SLA. How sensor Amt-like proteins integrate ammonium signals. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm9441. [PMID: 38838143 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm9441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Unlike aquaporins or potassium channels, ammonium transporters (Amts) uniquely discriminate ammonium from potassium and water. This feature has certainly contributed to their repurposing as ammonium receptors during evolution. Here, we describe the ammonium receptor Sd-Amt1, where an Amt module connects to a cytoplasmic diguanylate cyclase transducer module via an HAMP domain. Structures of the protein with and without bound ammonium were determined to 1.7- and 1.9-Ångstrom resolution, depicting the ON and OFF states of the receptor and confirming the presence of a binding site for two ammonium cations that is pivotal for signal perception and receptor activation. The transducer domain was disordered in the crystals, and an AlphaFold2 prediction suggests that the helices linking both domains are flexible. While the sensor domain retains the trimeric fold formed by all Amt family members, the HAMP domains interact as pairs and serve to dimerize the transducer domain upon activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Pflüger
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biochemistry, University Freiburg, Albertstr. 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Gschell
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biochemistry, University Freiburg, Albertstr. 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lin Zhang
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biochemistry, University Freiburg, Albertstr. 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volodymyr Shnitsar
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biochemistry, University Freiburg, Albertstr. 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annas J Zabadné
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biochemistry, University Freiburg, Albertstr. 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Paul Zierep
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Str. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Günther
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Str. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Einsle
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biochemistry, University Freiburg, Albertstr. 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signaling Studies, University Freiburg, Schänzlerstr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susana L A Andrade
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biochemistry, University Freiburg, Albertstr. 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signaling Studies, University Freiburg, Schänzlerstr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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Long T, Mohapatra P, Ballou S, Menuz K. Odorant receptor co-receptors affect expression of tuning receptors in Drosophila. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1390557. [PMID: 38832356 PMCID: PMC11145718 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1390557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Insects detect odorants using two large families of heteromeric receptors, the Odorant Receptors (ORs) and Ionotropic Receptors (IRs). Most OR and IR genes encode odorant-binding "tuning" subunits, whereas four (Orco, Ir8a, Ir25a, and Ir76b) encode co-receptor subunits required for receptor function. Olfactory neurons are thought to degenerate in the absence of Orco in ants and bees, and limited data suggest this may happen to some olfactory neurons in Drosophila fruit flies as well. Here, we thoroughly examined the role of co-receptors on olfactory neuron survival in Drosophila. Leveraging knowledge that olfactory neuron classes are defined by the expression of different tuning receptors, we used tuning receptor expression in antennal transcriptomes as a proxy for the survival of distinct olfactory neuron classes. Consistent with olfactory neuron degeneration, expression of many OR-family tuning receptors is decreased in Orco mutants relative to controls, and transcript loss is progressive with age. The effects of Orco are highly receptor-dependent, with expression of some receptor transcripts nearly eliminated and others unaffected. Surprisingly, further studies revealed that olfactory neuron classes with reduced tuning receptor expression generally survive in Orco mutant flies. Furthermore, there is little apoptosis or neuronal loss in the antenna of these flies. We went on to investigate the effects of IR family co-receptor mutants using similar approaches and found that expression of IR tuning receptors is decreased in the absence of Ir8a and Ir25a, but not Ir76b. As in Orco mutants, Ir8a-dependent olfactory neurons mostly endure despite near-absent expression of associated tuning receptors. Finally, we used differential expression analysis to identify other antennal genes whose expression is changed in IR and OR co-receptor mutants. Taken together, our data indicate that odorant co-receptors are necessary for maintaining expression of many tuning receptors at the mRNA level. Further, most Drosophila olfactory neurons persist in OR and IR co-receptor mutants, suggesting that the impact of co-receptors on neuronal survival may vary across insect species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Long
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Pratyajit Mohapatra
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Sydney Ballou
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Karen Menuz
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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5
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Hoyer J, Kolar K, Athira A, van den Burgh M, Dondorp D, Liang Z, Chatzigeorgiou M. Polymodal sensory perception drives settlement and metamorphosis of Ciona larvae. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1168-1182.e7. [PMID: 38335959 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.041] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The Earth's oceans brim with an incredible diversity of microscopic lifeforms, including motile planktonic larvae, whose survival critically depends on effective dispersal in the water column and subsequent exploration of the seafloor to identify a suitable settlement site. How their nervous systems mediate sensing of diverse multimodal cues remains enigmatic. Here, we uncover that the tunicate Ciona intestinalis larvae employ ectodermal sensory cells to sense various mechanical and chemical cues. Combining whole-brain imaging and chemogenetics, we demonstrate that stimuli encoded at the periphery are sufficient to drive global brain-state changes to promote or impede both larval attachment and metamorphosis behaviors. The ability of C. intestinalis larvae to leverage polymodal sensory perception to support information coding and chemotactile behaviors may explain how marine larvae make complex decisions despite streamlined nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorgen Hoyer
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway
| | - Kushal Kolar
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway
| | - Athira Athira
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway
| | - Meike van den Burgh
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway
| | - Daniel Dondorp
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway
| | - Zonglai Liang
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway
| | - Marios Chatzigeorgiou
- Michael Sars Centre, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5006, Norway.
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Wulff JP, Traverso LM, Latorre-Estivalis JM, Segura DF, Lanzavecchia SB. Identification of candidate genes associated with host-seeking behavior in the parasitoid wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:147. [PMID: 38321385 PMCID: PMC10848486 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10034-6] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diachasmimorpha longicaudata is a hymenopteran fruit fly endoparasitoid. Females of this species find their hosts for oviposition by using complex sensorial mechanisms in response to physical and chemical stimuli associated with the host and host habitat. Ecological and behavioral aspects related to host-seeking behavior for oviposition have been extensively studied in D. longicaudata, including the identification of volatile organic compounds acting as attractants to females. In this sense, molecular mechanisms of chemoreception have been explored in this species, including a preliminary characterization of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs) and odorant receptors (ORs), among other proteins. Functional assays on OBP and CSP have been conducted as a first approach to identify molecular mechanisms associated with the female host-seeking behavior for oviposition. The aims of the present study were to identify the D. longicaudata sensory gene repertoire expressed in the antenna of sexually mature and mated individuals of both sexes, and subsequently, characterize transcripts differentially expressed in the antennae of females to identify candidate genes associated with the female host-seeking behavior for oviposition. RESULTS A total of 33,745 predicted protein-coding sequences were obtained from a de novo antennal transcriptome assembly. Ten sensory-related gene families were annotated as follows: 222 ORs, 44 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 25 gustatory receptors (GRs), 9 CSPs, 13 OBPs, 2 ammonium transporters (AMTs), 8 pickpocket (PPKs) receptors, 16 transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, 12 CD36/SNMPs and 3 Niemann-Pick type C2 like proteins (NPC2-like). The differential expression analysis revealed 237 and 151 transcripts up- and downregulated, respectively, between the female and male antennae. Ninety-seven differentially expressed transcripts corresponded to sensory-related genes including 88 transcripts being upregulated (87 ORs and one TRP) and nine downregulated (six ORs, two CSPs and one OBP) in females compared to males. CONCLUSIONS The sensory gene repertoire of D. longicaudata was similar to that of other taxonomically related parasitoid wasps. We identified a high number of ORs upregulated in the female antenna. These results may indicate that this gene family has a central role in the chemoreception of sexually mature females during the search for hosts and host habitats for reproductive purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Wulff
- Entomology and Plant Pathology, NCSU, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Lucila M Traverso
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Insectos (LNI), Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CENEXA, CONICET, La Plata, Bs As, Argentina
| | - Jose M Latorre-Estivalis
- Laboratorio de Insectos Sociales, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Instituto de Fisiología, Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET, Bs As, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego F Segura
- Laboratorio de Insectos de Importancia Agronómica, Instituto de Genética Ewald A. Favret (INTA) gv-IABIMO (CONICET), Hurlingham, Bs As, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Veterinarias, Universidad del Salvador, Bs As, Argentina
| | - Silvia B Lanzavecchia
- Laboratorio de Insectos de Importancia Agronómica, Instituto de Genética Ewald A. Favret (INTA) gv-IABIMO (CONICET), Hurlingham, Bs As, Argentina
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7
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Williamson G, Harris T, Bizior A, Hoskisson PA, Pritchard L, Javelle A. Biological ammonium transporters: evolution and diversification. FEBS J 2024. [PMID: 38265636 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Although ammonium is the preferred nitrogen source for microbes and plants, in animal cells it is a toxic product of nitrogen metabolism that needs to be excreted. Thus, ammonium movement across biological membranes, whether for uptake or excretion, is a fundamental and ubiquitous biological process catalysed by the superfamily of the Amt/Mep/Rh transporters. A remarkable feature of the Amt/Mep/Rh family is that they are ubiquitous and, despite sharing low amino acid sequence identity, are highly structurally conserved. Despite sharing a common structure, these proteins have become involved in a diverse range of physiological process spanning all domains of life, with reports describing their involvement in diverse biological processes being published regularly. In this context, we exhaustively present their range of biological roles across the domains of life and after explore current hypotheses concerning their evolution to help to understand how and why the conserved structure fulfils diverse physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Williamson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Thomas Harris
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Adriana Bizior
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul Alan Hoskisson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Leighton Pritchard
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Arnaud Javelle
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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Burns JA, Becker KP, Casagrande D, Daniels J, Roberts P, Orenstein E, Vogt DM, Teoh ZE, Wood R, Yin AH, Genot B, Gruber DF, Katija K, Wood RJ, Phillips BT. An in situ digital synthesis strategy for the discovery and description of ocean life. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj4960. [PMID: 38232174 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj4960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Revolutionary advancements in underwater imaging, robotics, and genomic sequencing have reshaped marine exploration. We present and demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach that uses emerging quantitative imaging technologies, an innovative robotic encapsulation system with in situ RNA preservation and next-generation genomic sequencing to gain comprehensive biological, biophysical, and genomic data from deep-sea organisms. The synthesis of these data provides rich morphological and genetic information for species description, surpassing traditional passive observation methods and preserved specimens, particularly for gelatinous zooplankton. Our approach enhances our ability to study delicate mid-water animals, improving research in the world's oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Burns
- Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, East Boothbay, ME 04544, USA
| | - Kaitlyn P Becker
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - David Casagrande
- Department of Ocean Engineering, University of Rhode Island, 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Joost Daniels
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Research and Development, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
| | - Paul Roberts
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Research and Development, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
| | - Eric Orenstein
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Research and Development, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
| | - Daniel M Vogt
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | | | - Ryan Wood
- PA Consulting, Concord, MA 01742, USA
| | - Alexander H Yin
- Department of Ocean Engineering, University of Rhode Island, 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Baptiste Genot
- Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, East Boothbay, ME 04544, USA
| | - David F Gruber
- Department of Natural Sciences, Baruch College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Kakani Katija
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Research and Development, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
| | - Robert J Wood
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Brennan T Phillips
- Department of Ocean Engineering, University of Rhode Island, 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
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9
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Liang Z, Wilson CE, Teng B, Kinnamon SC, Liman ER. The proton channel OTOP1 is a sensor for the taste of ammonium chloride. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6194. [PMID: 37798269 PMCID: PMC10556057 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41637-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ammonium (NH4+), a breakdown product of amino acids that can be toxic at high levels, is detected by taste systems of organisms ranging from C. elegans to humans and has been used for decades in vertebrate taste research. Here we report that OTOP1, a proton-selective ion channel expressed in sour (Type III) taste receptor cells (TRCs), functions as sensor for ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). Extracellular NH4Cl evoked large dose-dependent inward currents in HEK-293 cells expressing murine OTOP1 (mOTOP1), human OTOP1 and other species variants of OTOP1, that correlated with its ability to alkalinize the cell cytosol. Mutation of a conserved intracellular arginine residue (R292) in the mOTOP1 tm 6-tm 7 linker specifically decreased responses to NH4Cl relative to acid stimuli. Taste responses to NH4Cl measured from isolated Type III TRCs, or gustatory nerves were strongly attenuated or eliminated in an Otop1-/- mouse strain. Behavioral aversion of mice to NH4Cl, reduced in Skn-1a-/- mice lacking Type II TRCs, was entirely abolished in a double knockout with Otop1. These data together reveal an unexpected role for the proton channel OTOP1 in mediating a major component of the taste of NH4Cl and a previously undescribed channel activation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Liang
- Section of Neurobiology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Courtney E Wilson
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado Medical School, 12700 E 19(th) Avenue, MS 8606, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Bochuan Teng
- Section of Neurobiology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Sue C Kinnamon
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado Medical School, 12700 E 19(th) Avenue, MS 8606, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Emily R Liman
- Section of Neurobiology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
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10
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Corthals K, Andersson V, Churcher A, Reimegård J, Enjin A. Genetic atlas of hygro-and thermosensory cells in the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15202. [PMID: 37709909 PMCID: PMC10502013 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42506-2] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of animals to perceive and respond to sensory information is essential for their survival in diverse environments. While much progress has been made in understanding various sensory modalities, the sense of hygrosensation, which involves the detection and response to humidity, remains poorly understood. In this study, we focused on the hygrosensory, and closely related thermosensory, systems in the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster to unravel the molecular profile of the cells of these senses. Using a transcriptomic analysis of over 37,000 nuclei, we identified twelve distinct clusters of cells corresponding to temperature-sensing arista neurons, humidity-sensing sacculus neurons, and support cells relating to these neurons. By examining the expression of known and novel marker genes, we validated the identity of these clusters and characterized their gene expression profiles. We found that each cell type could be characterized by a unique expression profile of ion channels, GPCR signaling molecules, synaptic vesicle cycle proteins, and cell adhesion molecules. Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular basis of hygro- and thermosensation. Understanding the mechanisms underlying hygro- and thermosensation may shed light on the broader understanding of sensory systems and their adaptation to different environmental conditions in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Corthals
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Vilma Andersson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Allison Churcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Johan Reimegård
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, 752 37, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Enjin
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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11
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Sizemore TR, Jonaitis J, Dacks AM. Heterogeneous receptor expression underlies non-uniform peptidergic modulation of olfaction in Drosophila. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5280. [PMID: 37644052 PMCID: PMC10465596 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41012-3] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory systems are dynamically adjusted according to the animal's ongoing needs by neuromodulators, such as neuropeptides. Neuropeptides are often widely-distributed throughout sensory networks, but it is unclear whether such neuropeptides uniformly modulate network activity. Here, we leverage the Drosophila antennal lobe (AL) to resolve whether myoinhibitory peptide (MIP) uniformly modulates AL processing. Despite being uniformly distributed across the AL, MIP decreases olfactory input to some glomeruli, while increasing olfactory input to other glomeruli. We reveal that a heterogeneous ensemble of local interneurons (LNs) are the sole source of AL MIP, and show that differential expression of the inhibitory MIP receptor across glomeruli allows MIP to act on distinct intraglomerular substrates. Our findings demonstrate how even a seemingly simple case of modulation can have complex consequences on network processing by acting non-uniformly within different components of the overall network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler R Sizemore
- Department of Biology, Life Sciences Building, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale Science Building, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520-8103, USA.
| | - Julius Jonaitis
- Department of Biology, Life Sciences Building, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Andrew M Dacks
- Department of Biology, Life Sciences Building, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
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12
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Durant A, Khodikian E, Porteus CS. Ocean acidification alters foraging behaviour in Dungeness crab through impairment of the olfactory pathway. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:4126-4139. [PMID: 37158617 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Crustacean olfaction is fundamental to most aspects of living and communicating in aquatic environments and more broadly, for individual- and population-level success. Accelerated ocean acidification from elevated CO2 threatens the ability of crabs to detect and respond to important olfactory-related cues. Here, we demonstrate that the ecologically and economically important Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) exhibits reduced olfactory-related antennular flicking responses to a food cue when exposed to near-future CO2 levels, adding to the growing body of evidence of impaired crab behaviour. Underlying this altered behaviour, we find that crabs have lower olfactory nerve sensitivities (twofold reduction in antennular nerve activity) in response to a food cue when exposed to elevated CO2 . This suggests that near-future CO2 levels will impact the threshold of detection of food by crabs. We also show that lower olfactory nerve sensitivity in elevated CO2 is accompanied by a decrease in the olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) expression of a principal chemosensory receptor protein, ionotropic receptor 25a (IR25a) which is fundamental for odorant coding and olfactory signalling cascades. The OSNs also exhibit morphological changes in the form of decreased surface areas of their somata. This study provides the first evidence of the effects of high CO2 levels at multiple levels of biological organization in marine crabs, linking physiological and cellular changes with whole animal behavioural responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Durant
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elissa Khodikian
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cosima S Porteus
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada
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13
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Harbison CW, Breen MK, Hutchins CEC, Roberto DP. PHEROMONE COMMUNICATION IN FEATHER-FEEDING WING LICE (INSECTA: PHTHIRAPTERA). J Parasitol 2023; 109:333-339. [PMID: 37527274 PMCID: PMC10658871 DOI: 10.1645/23-29] [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] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pheromone communication is central to the life history of insect parasites. Determining how pheromones affect parasite behavior can provide insights into host-parasite interactions and suggest novel avenues for parasite control. Lice infest thousands of bird and mammal species and feed on the host's feathers or blood. Despite the pervasiveness of lice in wild populations and the costs they exact on livestock and poultry industries, little is known about pheromone communication in this diverse group. Here, we test for pheromone communication in the wing lice (Columbicola columbae) of Rock Doves (Columba livia). Wing lice spend the majority of their lives on bird flight feathers where they hide from host preening by inserting their bodies between coarse feather barbs. To feed, wing lice must migrate to bird body regions where they consume the insulating barbs of contour feathers. We first show that wing lice readily form aggregations on flight feathers. Next, using a Y-tube olfactometer, we demonstrate that wing lice use pheromone communication to move toward groups of nearby conspecifics. This pheromone is likely an aggregation pheromone, as wing lice only produce the pheromone when placed on flight feathers. Finally, we found that when forced to choose between groups of male and female lice, male lice move toward male groups and females toward female groups, suggesting the use of multiple pheromones. Ongoing work aims to determine the chemical identity and function of these pheromones.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa K. Breen
- Biology Department, Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, New York 12211
| | | | - Domenic P. Roberto
- Biology Department, Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, New York 12211
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14
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Verschut TA, Ng R, Doubovetzky NP, Le Calvez G, Sneep JL, Minnaard AJ, Su CY, Carlsson MA, Wertheim B, Billeter JC. Aggregation pheromones have a non-linear effect on oviposition behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1544. [PMID: 36941252 PMCID: PMC10027874 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Female fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) oviposit at communal sites where the larvae may cooperate or compete for resources depending on group size. This offers a model system to determine how females assess quantitative social information. We show that the concentration of pheromones found on a substrate increases linearly with the number of adult flies that have visited that site. Females prefer oviposition sites with pheromone concentrations corresponding to an intermediate number of previous visitors, whereas sites with low or high concentrations are unattractive. This dose-dependent decision is based on a blend of 11-cis-Vaccenyl Acetate (cVA) indicating the number of previous visitors and heptanal (a novel pheromone deriving from the oxidation of 7-Tricosene), which acts as a dose-independent co-factor. This response is mediated by detection of cVA by odorant receptor neurons Or67d and Or65a, and at least five different odorant receptor neurons for heptanal. Our results identify a mechanism allowing individuals to transform a linear increase of pheromones into a non-linear behavioral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Verschut
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Renny Ng
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nicolas P Doubovetzky
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Guillaume Le Calvez
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan L Sneep
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan J Minnaard
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Chih-Ying Su
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mikael A Carlsson
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bregje Wertheim
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-Christophe Billeter
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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15
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Latorre Estivalis JM, Traverso L, Pontes G, Lorenzo MG. The antennal transcriptome of Triatoma infestans reveals substantial expression changes triggered by a blood meal. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:861. [PMID: 36585617 PMCID: PMC9801554 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-09059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triatoma infestans is the main vector of Chagas disease in the Americas, currently transmitting it in Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Many T. infestans populations present insecticide resistance, reducing the efficiency of control campaigns. Alternative vector control methods are needed, and molecular targets mediating fundamental physiological processes can be a promising option to manipulate kissing bug behavior. Therefore, it is necessary to characterize the main sensory targets, as well as to determine whether they are modulated by physiological factors. In order to identify gene candidates potentially mediating host cue detection, the antennal transcripts of T. infestans fifth instar larvae were sequenced and assembled. Besides, we evaluated whether a blood meal had an effect on transcriptional profiles, as responsiveness to host-emitted sensory cues depends on bug starvation. RESULTS The sensory-related gene families of T. infestans were annotated (127 odorant receptors, 38 ionotropic receptors, 11 gustatory receptors, 41 odorant binding proteins, and 25 chemosensory proteins, among others) and compared to those of several other hemipterans, including four triatomine species. Several triatomine-specific lineages representing sensory adaptations developed through the evolution of these blood-feeding heteropterans were identified. As well, we report here various conserved sensory gene orthogroups shared by heteropterans. The absence of the thermosensor pyrexia, of pickpocket receptor subfamilies IV and VII, together with clearly expanded takeout repertoires, are revealed features of the molecular bases of heteropteran antennal physiology. Finally, out of 2,122 genes whose antennal expression was significantly altered by the ingestion of a blood meal, a set of 41 T. infestans sensory-related genes (9 up-regulated; 32 down-regulated) was detected. CONCLUSIONS We propose that the set of genes presenting nutritionally-triggered modulation on their expression represent candidates to mediate triatomine host-seeking behavior. Besides, the triatomine-specific gene lineages found represent molecular adaptations to their risky natural history that involves stealing blood from an enormously diverse set of vertebrates. Heteropteran gene orthogroups identified may represent unknown features of the sensory specificities of this largest group of hemipteroids. Our work is the first molecular characterization of the peripheral modulation of sensory processes in a non-dipteran vector of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Manuel Latorre Estivalis
- grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Laboratorio de Insectos Sociales, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Universidad de Buenos Aires - CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucila Traverso
- grid.423606.50000 0001 1945 2152Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Insectos (LNI), Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CENEXA, CONICET, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gina Pontes
- grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Laboratorio de Eco-Fisiología de Insectos del Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA-UBA-CONICET), DBBE - Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Gustavo Lorenzo
- grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Vector Behaviour and Pathogen Interaction Group, Instituto René Rachou - FIOCRUZ-Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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16
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Abstract
Among the many wonders of nature, the sense of smell of the fly Drosophila melanogaster might seem, at first glance, of esoteric interest. Nevertheless, for over a century, the 'nose' of this insect has been an extraordinary system to explore questions in animal behaviour, ecology and evolution, neuroscience, physiology and molecular genetics. The insights gained are relevant for our understanding of the sensory biology of vertebrates, including humans, and other insect species, encompassing those detrimental to human health. Here, I present an overview of our current knowledge of D. melanogaster olfaction, from molecules to behaviours, with an emphasis on the historical motivations of studies and illustration of how technical innovations have enabled advances. I also highlight some of the pressing and long-term questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Benton
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Scalzotto M, Ng R, Cruchet S, Saina M, Armida J, Su CY, Benton R. Pheromone sensing in Drosophila requires support cell-expressed Osiris 8. BMC Biol 2022; 20:230. [PMID: 36217142 PMCID: PMC9552441 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01425-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The nose of most animals comprises multiple sensory subsystems, which are defined by the expression of different olfactory receptor families. Drosophila melanogaster antennae contain two morphologically and functionally distinct subsystems that express odorant receptors (Ors) or ionotropic receptors (Irs). Although these receptors have been thoroughly characterized in this species, the subsystem-specific expression and roles of other genes are much less well-understood. Results Here we generate subsystem-specific transcriptomic datasets to identify hundreds of genes, encoding diverse protein classes, that are selectively enriched in either Or or Ir subsystems. Using single-cell antennal transcriptomic data and RNA in situ hybridization, we find that most neuronal genes—other than sensory receptor genes—are broadly expressed within the subsystems. By contrast, we identify many non-neuronal genes that exhibit highly selective expression, revealing substantial molecular heterogeneity in the non-neuronal cellular components of the olfactory subsystems. We characterize one Or subsystem-specific non-neuronal molecule, Osiris 8 (Osi8), a conserved member of a large, insect-specific family of transmembrane proteins. Osi8 is expressed in the membranes of tormogen support cells of pheromone-sensing trichoid sensilla. Loss of Osi8 does not have obvious impact on trichoid sensillar development or basal neuronal activity, but abolishes high sensitivity responses to pheromone ligands. Conclusions This work identifies a new protein required for insect pheromone detection, emphasizes the importance of support cells in neuronal sensory functions, and provides a resource for future characterization of other olfactory subsystem-specific genes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01425-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Scalzotto
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Renny Ng
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Steeve Cruchet
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Saina
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jan Armida
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Chih-Ying Su
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Richard Benton
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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18
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Mahadevan VP, Lavista-Llanos S, Knaden M, Hansson BS. No functional contribution of the gustatory receptor, Gr64b, co-expressed in olfactory sensory neurons of Drosophila melanogaster. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.980351] [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
Chemosensation is essential for the survival of insects. Activities like searching for food, mating, and oviposition in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster are to a great extent governed by chemical cues detected via olfaction and gustation. This chemical information is conveyed to higher brain centers via populations of diverse olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and gustatory sensory neurons (GSNs) expressing olfactory receptors (ORs) and gustatory receptors (GRs), respectively. ORs are exclusively expressed in the antenna and in the maxillary palps, while GRs are widely expressed in the labellum, tarsi, genitalia etc. Interestingly, 14 GRs were previously reported to be expressed in the antenna of D. melanogaster. However, the spatial expression pattern for all GRs and their functional role are still unclear. Recent data challenge the dogma that single OSNs express a single OR. In the present study, we studied the expression of 12 previously reported GRs among sensory structures on the fly antenna using the Gal4-UAS binary expression system. We observed antennal expression of nine out of the 12 reported. Out of these nine, consistent expression was only apparent for Gr64b, and we reconfirmed its presence in OSNs innervating three glomeruli in the antennal lobe. These glomeruli are known to be innervated by ab5A, ab5B and ab8A OSNs, respectively. Next, we generated double labeling crosses with Gr64b and observed co-expression of Gr64b with Or47a, which is expressed in the ab5B neuron. To elucidate the functional role of Gr64b co-expressed with Or47a, we challenged Or47a-expressing OSNs in wild type and Gr64b–/– mutant flies with odor stimulation using the single sensillum recording technique in two satiation states (fed and starved). Notably, we did not observe any significant odor sensitivity or specificity changes in Gr64b mutants as compared to wild type flies. Taken together, our results reveal co-expression of GRs with ORs in olfactory sensory neurons, while the functional contribution of the GR in this context remains obscure.
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19
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Chen L, Jiang H, Zheng M, Li Z, Li N, Zhao S, Liu X. Fly-antennae-inspired biomass-based fluorescent platform for NH 3 quantitative detection and visual real-time monitoring of seafood spoilage. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 434:128868. [PMID: 35413518 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Traditional strategies for quantitative detection of NH3 and monitoring of seafood spoilage still have some pervasive issues of cumbersome operation, time-consuming, high-cost, and inefficient real-time monitoring, and visualization. Integration of biomass-based materials and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescence probes exhibit conceivable potential in seafood detection and environmental monitoring. Herein, a fly-antennae-inspired biomass-based solid-state fluorescent platform (PAA-FP) with effective, easy-to-use, reusable, low-cost and highly sensitive characteristics is nanoengineered for NH3 quantitative detection (detection limit = 0.5 ppm) and visual real-time monitoring of seafood spoilage using smartphones. The PAA-FP possesses an anticipative "fly-antennae-like" microstructure and offers selective recognition of NH3 by naked eyes in daylight with excellent solid-state fluorescence properties. Moreover, PAA-FP is simply reused at least 5 times after AcOH fumigation. Comprehensive application experiments substantiate that PAA-FP successfully achieves quantitative detection of NH3 and realizes the visual real-time daylight monitoring of food spoilage using a simple color recognizing smartphone software. The present study demonstrates an effective fabrication strategy to explore various multifunctional biomass-based materials for sensing hazardous and noxious substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Chen
- College of Bioresources Chemistry and Materials Engineering, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, PR China
| | - Huie Jiang
- College of Bioresources Chemistry and Materials Engineering, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, PR China.
| | - Manhui Zheng
- Institute of Biomass & Functional Maerials, Shaanxi University of Science &Technology, Xi'an 710021, PR China
| | - Zhijian Li
- College of Bioresources Chemistry and Materials Engineering, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, PR China
| | - Nihao Li
- College of Bioresources Chemistry and Materials Engineering, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, PR China
| | - Suqiu Zhao
- College of Bioresources Chemistry and Materials Engineering, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, PR China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Institute of Biomass & Functional Maerials, Shaanxi University of Science &Technology, Xi'an 710021, PR China.
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20
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Task D, Lin CC, Vulpe A, Afify A, Ballou S, Brbic M, Schlegel P, Raji J, Jefferis GSXE, Li H, Menuz K, Potter CJ. Chemoreceptor co-expression in Drosophila melanogaster olfactory neurons. eLife 2022; 11:e72599. [PMID: 35442190 PMCID: PMC9020824 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster olfactory neurons have long been thought to express only one chemosensory receptor gene family. There are two main olfactory receptor gene families in Drosophila, the odorant receptors (ORs) and the ionotropic receptors (IRs). The dozens of odorant-binding receptors in each family require at least one co-receptor gene in order to function: Orco for ORs, and Ir25a, Ir8a, and Ir76b for IRs. Using a new genetic knock-in strategy, we targeted the four co-receptors representing the main chemosensory families in D. melanogaster (Orco, Ir8a, Ir76b, Ir25a). Co-receptor knock-in expression patterns were verified as accurate representations of endogenous expression. We find extensive overlap in expression among the different co-receptors. As defined by innervation into antennal lobe glomeruli, Ir25a is broadly expressed in 88% of all olfactory sensory neuron classes and is co-expressed in 82% of Orco+ neuron classes, including all neuron classes in the maxillary palp. Orco, Ir8a, and Ir76b expression patterns are also more expansive than previously assumed. Single sensillum recordings from Orco-expressing Ir25a mutant antennal and palpal neurons identify changes in olfactory responses. We also find co-expression of Orco and Ir25a in Drosophila sechellia and Anopheles coluzzii olfactory neurons. These results suggest that co-expression of chemosensory receptors is common in insect olfactory neurons. Together, our data present the first comprehensive map of chemosensory co-receptor expression and reveal their unexpected widespread co-expression in the fly olfactory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya Task
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Chun-Chieh Lin
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
- Mortimer B. Zuckermann Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Alina Vulpe
- Physiology & Neurobiology Department, University of ConnecticutMansfieldUnited States
| | - Ali Afify
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Sydney Ballou
- Physiology & Neurobiology Department, University of ConnecticutMansfieldUnited States
| | - Maria Brbic
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Philipp Schlegel
- Drosophila Connectomics Group, Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Joshua Raji
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Gregory SXE Jefferis
- Drosophila Connectomics Group, Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Hongjie Li
- Department of Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Karen Menuz
- Physiology & Neurobiology Department, University of ConnecticutMansfieldUnited States
| | - Christopher J Potter
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
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21
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Drosophila melanogaster Chemosensory Pathways as Potential Targets to Curb the Insect Menace. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13020142. [PMID: 35206716 PMCID: PMC8874460 DOI: 10.3390/insects13020142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The perception and processing of chemosensory stimuli are indispensable to the survival of living organisms. In insects, olfaction and gustation play a critical role in seeking food, finding mates and avoiding signs of danger. This review aims to present updated information about olfactory and gustatory signaling in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We have described the mechanisms involved in olfactory and gustatory perceptions at the molecular level, the receptors along with the allied molecules involved, and their signaling pathways in the fruit fly. Due to the magnifying problems of disease-causing insect vectors and crop pests, the applications of chemosensory signaling in controlling pests and insect vectors are also discussed. Abstract From a unicellular bacterium to a more complex human, smell and taste form an integral part of the basic sensory system. In fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster, the behavioral responses to odorants and tastants are simple, though quite sensitive, and robust. They explain the organization and elementary functioning of the chemosensory system. Molecular and functional analyses of the receptors and other critical molecules involved in olfaction and gustation are not yet completely understood. Hence, a better understanding of chemosensory cue-dependent fruit flies, playing a major role in deciphering the host-seeking behavior of pathogen transmitting insect vectors (mosquitoes, sandflies, ticks) and crop pests (Drosophila suzukii, Queensland fruit fly), is needed. Using D. melanogaster as a model organism, the knowledge gained may be implemented to design new means of controlling insects as well as in analyzing current batches of insect and pest repellents. In this review, the complete mechanisms of olfactory and gustatory perception, along with their implementation in controlling the global threat of disease-transmitting insect vectors and crop-damaging pests, are explained in fruit flies.
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22
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Prelic S, Pal Mahadevan V, Venkateswaran V, Lavista-Llanos S, Hansson BS, Wicher D. Functional Interaction Between Drosophila Olfactory Sensory Neurons and Their Support Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:789086. [PMID: 35069116 PMCID: PMC8777253 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.789086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects detect volatile chemicals using antennae, which house a vast variety of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) that innervate hair-like structures called sensilla where odor detection takes place. In addition to OSNs, the antenna also hosts various support cell types. These include the triad of trichogen, tormogen, and thecogen support cells that lie adjacent to their respective OSNs. The arrangement of OSN supporting cells occurs stereotypically for all sensilla and is widely conserved in evolution. While insect chemosensory neurons have received considerable attention, little is known about the functional significance of the cells that support them. For instance, it remains unknown whether support cells play an active role in odor detection, or only passively contribute to homeostasis, e.g., by maintaining sensillum lymph composition. To investigate the functional interaction between OSNs and support cells, we used optical and electrophysiological approaches in Drosophila. First, we characterized the distribution of various supporting cells using genetic markers. By means of an ex vivo antennal preparation and genetically-encoded Ca2+ and K+ indicators, we then studied the activation of these auxiliary cells during odor presentation in adult flies. We observed acute responses and distinct differences in Ca2+ and K+ fluxes between support cell types. Finally, we observed alterations in OSN responses upon thecogen cell ablation in mature adults. Upon inducible ablation of thecogen cells, we notice a gain in mechanical responsiveness to mechanical stimulations during single-sensillum recording, but a lack of change to the neuronal resting activity. Taken together, these results demonstrate that support cells play a more active and responsive role during odor processing than previously thought. Our observations thus reveal that support cells functionally interact with OSNs and may be important for the extraordinary ability of insect olfactory systems to dynamically and sensitively discriminate between odors in the turbulent sensory landscape of insect flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinisa Prelic
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Venkatesh Pal Mahadevan
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Vignesh Venkateswaran
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Sofia Lavista-Llanos
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- CIFASIS-CONICET Franco-Argentine International Center for Information and Systems Sciences—National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Bill S. Hansson
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Dieter Wicher
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Dieter Wicher
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23
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Vulpe A, Menuz K. Ir76b is a Co-receptor for Amine Responses in Drosophila Olfactory Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:759238. [PMID: 34867202 PMCID: PMC8635857 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.759238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Two large families of olfactory receptors, the Odorant Receptors (ORs) and Ionotropic Receptors (IRs), mediate responses to most odors in the insect olfactory system. Individual odorant binding "tuning" OrX receptors are expressed by olfactory neurons in basiconic and trichoid sensilla and require the co-receptor Orco. The situation for IRs is more complex. Different tuning IrX receptors are expressed by olfactory neurons in coeloconic sensilla and rely on either the Ir25a or Ir8a co-receptors; some evidence suggests that Ir76b may also act as a co-receptor, but its function has not been systematically examined. Surprisingly, recent data indicate that nearly all coeloconic olfactory neurons co-express Ir25a, Ir8a, and Ir76b. Here, we demonstrate that Ir76b and Ir25a function together in all amine-sensing olfactory receptor neurons. In most neurons, loss of either co-receptor abolishes amine responses. In contrast, amine responses persist in the absence of Ir76b or Ir25a in ac1 sensilla but are lost in a double mutant. We show that responses mediated by acid-sensing neurons do not require Ir76b, despite their expression of this co-receptor. Our study also demonstrates that one population of coeloconic olfactory neurons exhibits Ir76b/Ir25a-dependent and Orco-dependent responses to distinct odorants. Together, our data establish the role of Ir76b as a bona fide co-receptor, which acts in partnership with Ir25a. Given that these co-receptors are among the most highly conserved olfactory receptors and are often co-expressed in chemosensory neurons, our data suggest Ir76b and Ir25a also work in tandem in other insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Vulpe
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Karen Menuz
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Connecticut Institute for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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24
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Nava Gonzales C, McKaughan Q, Bushong EA, Cauwenberghs K, Ng R, Madany M, Ellisman MH, Su CY. Systematic morphological and morphometric analysis of identified olfactory receptor neurons in Drosophila melanogaster. eLife 2021; 10:69896. [PMID: 34423777 PMCID: PMC8410077 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The biophysical properties of sensory neurons are influenced by their morphometric and morphological features, whose precise measurements require high-quality volume electron microscopy (EM). However, systematic surveys of nanoscale characteristics for identified neurons are scarce. Here, we characterize the morphology of Drosophila olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) across the majority of genetically identified sensory hairs. By analyzing serial block-face electron microscopy images of cryofixed antennal tissues, we compile an extensive morphometric data set based on 122 reconstructed 3D models for 33 of the 40 identified antennal ORN types. Additionally, we observe multiple novel features—including extracellular vacuoles within sensillum lumen, intricate dendritic branching, mitochondria enrichment in select ORNs, novel sensillum types, and empty sensilla containing no neurons—which raise new questions pertinent to cell biology and sensory neurobiology. Our systematic survey is critical for future investigations into how the size and shape of sensory neurons influence their responses, sensitivity, and circuit function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Nava Gonzales
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Quintyn McKaughan
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Eric A Bushong
- National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, Center for Research in Biological Systems, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Kalyani Cauwenberghs
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Renny Ng
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Matthew Madany
- National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, Center for Research in Biological Systems, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Mark H Ellisman
- National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, Center for Research in Biological Systems, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Chih-Ying Su
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
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25
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Schlegel P, Bates AS, Stürner T, Jagannathan SR, Drummond N, Hsu J, Serratosa Capdevila L, Javier A, Marin EC, Barth-Maron A, Tamimi IFM, Li F, Rubin GM, Plaza SM, Costa M, Jefferis GSXE. Information flow, cell types and stereotypy in a full olfactory connectome. eLife 2021; 10:e66018. [PMID: 34032214 PMCID: PMC8298098 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The hemibrain connectome provides large-scale connectivity and morphology information for the majority of the central brain of Drosophila melanogaster. Using this data set, we provide a complete description of the Drosophila olfactory system, covering all first, second and lateral horn-associated third-order neurons. We develop a generally applicable strategy to extract information flow and layered organisation from connectome graphs, mapping olfactory input to descending interneurons. This identifies a range of motifs including highly lateralised circuits in the antennal lobe and patterns of convergence downstream of the mushroom body and lateral horn. Leveraging a second data set we provide a first quantitative assessment of inter- versus intra-individual stereotypy. Comparing neurons across two brains (three hemispheres) reveals striking similarity in neuronal morphology across brains. Connectivity correlates with morphology and neurons of the same morphological type show similar connection variability within the same brain as across two brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schlegel
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Tomke Stürner
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Nikolas Drummond
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Joseph Hsu
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States
| | | | - Alexandre Javier
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth C Marin
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Asa Barth-Maron
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Imaan FM Tamimi
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Feng Li
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States
| | - Gerald M Rubin
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States
| | - Stephen M Plaza
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical InstituteAshburnUnited States
| | - Marta Costa
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Gregory S X E Jefferis
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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