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Liu X, Shi L, Khashaveh A, Shan S, Lv B, Gu S, Zhang Y. Loss of Binding Capabilities in an Ecologically Important Odorant Receptor of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, by a Single Point Mutation. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:13003-13013. [PMID: 37625381 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c04247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Olfaction plays a crucial role in locating food sources, mates, and spawning sites in the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In the current study, SfruOR14, a highly conserved odorant receptor (OR) in lepidopteran species, was newly uncovered in S. frugiperda. In two-electrode voltage clamp recordings, the SfruOR14/Orco complex was narrowly tuned to six volatile compounds including phenylacetaldehyde (PAA), benzaldehyde, heptaldehyde, (E)-2-hexen-1-al, cinnamaldehyde, and 2-phenylethanol, among which PAA showed the strongest binding affinity. Subsequent homology modeling and molecular docking revealed that Phe79, His83, Tyr149, Pro176, Gln177, Leu202, and Thr348 in SfruOR14 were the key binding residues against the six ligands. Finally, as a result of site-directed mutagenesis, the SfruOR14His83Ala mutant completely lost its binding capabilities toward all ligands. Taken together, our findings provide valuable insights into understanding the interaction between SfruOR14 and the chemical ligands including PAA, which can help to design novel olfactory modulators for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohe Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Longfei Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Adel Khashaveh
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shuang Shan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Beibei Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Institute of Cotton Research, Shanxi Agricultural University, YunCheng 044000, China
| | - Shaohua Gu
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Ruel DM, Vainer Y, Yakir E, Bohbot JD. Identification and functional characterization of olfactory indolergic receptors in Drosophila melanogaster. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 139:103651. [PMID: 34582989 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Indole-sensitive odorant receptors or indolORs belong to a mosquito-specific expansion as ancient as the Culicidae lineage. Brachyceran flies appeared to lack representative members of this group despite the importance of indolics in this important group of dipterans. To explore whether indolORs occur in other brachyceran species, we searched for candidate indolORs in Drosophila melanogaster. Using phylogenetic tools, we show that D. melanogaster OR30a, OR43a, and OR49b form a distinct monophyletic lineage with mosquito indolORs. To explore a potential functional orthology with indolORs, we expressed these three Drosophila ORs in Xenopus laevis oocytes and measured their responses to a panel of indolic compounds. We provide evidence that OR30a, OR43a, and OR49b exhibit high sensitivity to indoles. Along with the recent discovery of indolORs in the housefly Musca domestica, our findings suggest that indolORs are a widespread feature of the peripheral olfactory systems of Diptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Ruel
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Robert H Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
| | - Yuri Vainer
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Robert H Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
| | - Esther Yakir
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Robert H Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
| | - Jonathan D Bohbot
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Robert H Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
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Pitts RJ, Huff RM, Shih SJ, Bohbot JD. Identification and functional characterization of olfactory indolergic receptors in Musca domestica. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 139:103653. [PMID: 34600101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In mosquitoes, indolic compounds are detected by a group of olfactory indolergic Odorant Receptors (indolORs). The ancient origin of indole and 3-methylindole as chemical signals suggest that they may be detected by insects outside the Culicidae clade. To test this hypothesis, we have identified potential indolOR genes in brachyceran flies based on sequence homology. Because of the crucial roles of indolic compounds in oviposition and foraging, we have focused our attention on the housefly Musca domestica. Using a heterologous expression system, we have identified indolOR transcript expression in the female antennae, and have characterized MdomOR30a and MdomOR49b as 3-methylindole and indole receptors, respectively. We have identified a set of 92 putative indolOR genes encoded in the genomes of Culicoidea, Psychodidae and brachycera, described their phylogenetic relationships, and exon/intron structures. Further characterization of indolORs will impact our understanding of insect chemical ecology and will provide targets for the development of novel odor-based tools that can be integrated into existing vector surveillance and control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Jason Pitts
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Robert M Huff
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Shan Ju Shih
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan D Bohbot
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
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Boya BR, Kumar P, Lee JH, Lee J. Diversity of the Tryptophanase Gene and Its Evolutionary Implications in Living Organisms. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102156. [PMID: 34683477 PMCID: PMC8537960 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophanase encoded by the gene tnaA is a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme that catalyses the conversion of tryptophan to indole, which is commonly used as an intra- and interspecies signalling molecule, particularly by microbes. However, the production of indole is rare in eukaryotic organisms. A nucleotide and protein database search revealed tnaA is commonly reported in various Gram-negative bacteria, but that only a few Gram-positive bacteria and archaea possess the gene. The presence of tnaA in eukaryotes, particularly protozoans and marine organisms, demonstrates the importance of this gene in the animal kingdom. Here, we document the distribution of tnaA and its acquisition and expansion among different taxonomic groups, many of which are usually categorized as non-indole producers. This study provides an opportunity to understand the intriguing role played by tnaA, and its distribution among various types of organisms.
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Kumar P, Lee JH, Lee J. Diverse roles of microbial indole compounds in eukaryotic systems. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2522-2545. [PMID: 34137156 PMCID: PMC9290978 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Indole and its derivatives are widespread across different life forms, functioning as signalling molecules in prokaryotes and with more diverse roles in eukaryotes. A majority of indoles found in the environment are attributed to bacterial enzymes converting tryptophan into indole and its derivatives. The involvement of indoles among lower organisms as an interspecies and intraspecies signal is well known, with many reports showing that inter‐kingdom interactions involving microbial indole compounds are equally important as they influence defence systems and even the behaviour of higher organisms. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the functional properties of indole and indole derivatives in diverse eukaryotes. Furthermore, we discuss current perspectives on the role of microbial indoles in human diseases such as diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, and cancers. Deciphering the function of indoles as biomarkers of metabolic state will facilitate the formulation of diet‐based treatments and open unique therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasun Kumar
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hyung Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jintae Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
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Wheelwright M, Whittle CR, Riabinina O. Olfactory systems across mosquito species. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:75-90. [PMID: 33475852 PMCID: PMC7873006 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03407-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
There are 3559 species of mosquitoes in the world (Harbach 2018) but, so far, only a handful of them have been a focus of olfactory neuroscience and neurobiology research. Here we discuss mosquito olfactory anatomy and function and connect these to mosquito ecology. We highlight the least well-known and thus most interesting aspects of mosquito olfactory systems and discuss promising future directions. We hope this review will encourage the insect neuroscience community to work more broadly across mosquito species instead of focusing narrowly on the main disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Wheelwright
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Catherine R Whittle
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Olena Riabinina
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
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Toxorhynchites Species: A Review of Current Knowledge. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11110747. [PMID: 33143104 PMCID: PMC7693308 DOI: 10.3390/insects11110747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Mosquitoes are well known to spread diseases when they take a blood meal. However, not all species feed on blood but instead get their nourishment from other sources. One such species is Toxorhynchites, which are a paradox among mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are entirely non-blood feeding and, as a result, are not considered to be harmful to human health. Indeed, since their larvae feed on the larvae of pest species and other aquatic insects, they are a potential counter measure against the spread of mosquito-transmitted diseases. Their effective application has been hampered due to a lack of understanding and inconsistencies in their descriptions. This review aims to build upon previously published information and summarize recent findings to support their use in combating mosquito-transmitted infections. Abstract The increasing global incidence of mosquito-borne infections is driving a need for effective control methods. Vector populations have expanded their geographical ranges, while increasing resistance to chemical insecticides and a lack of effective treatments or vaccines has meant that the development of vector control methods is essential in the fight against mosquito-transmitted diseases. This review will focus on Toxorhynchites, a non-hematophagous mosquito genus which is a natural predator of vector species and may be exploited as a biological control agent. Their effectiveness in this role has been strongly debated for many years and early trials have been marred by misinformation and incomplete descriptions. Here, we draw together current knowledge of the general biology of Toxorhynchites and discuss how this updated information will benefit their role in an integrated vector management program.
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The Emergence of Insect Odorant Receptor-Based Biosensors. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2020; 10:bios10030026. [PMID: 32192133 PMCID: PMC7146604 DOI: 10.3390/bios10030026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The olfactory receptor neurons of insects and vertebrates are gated by odorant receptor (OR) proteins of which several members have been shown to exhibit remarkable sensitivity and selectivity towards volatile organic compounds of significant importance in the fields of medicine, agriculture and public health. Insect ORs offer intrinsic amplification where a single binding event is transduced into a measurable ionic current. Consequently, insect ORs have great potential as biorecognition elements in many sensor configurations. However, integrating these sensing components onto electronic transducers for the development of biosensors has been marginal due to several drawbacks, including their lipophilic nature, signal transduction mechanism and the limited number of known cognate receptor-ligand pairs. We review the current state of research in this emerging field and highlight the use of a group of indole-sensitive ORs (indolORs) from unexpected sources for the development of biosensors.
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Dekel A, Yakir E, Bohbot JD. The sulcatone receptor of the strict nectar-feeding mosquito Toxorhynchites amboinensis. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 111:103174. [PMID: 31129164 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Controlling Ae. aegypti populations and the prevention of mosquito bites includes the development of monitoring, repelling and attract-and-kill strategies that are based on understanding the chemical ecology of these pests. Olfactory-mediated attraction to mammals has recently been linked to the mosquito Aedes aegypti odorant receptor Or4, which is activated by animal-released 6-Methyl-5-hepten-2-one (sulcatone). This odorant is also a major component of flower scents and may play a role outside animal-host seeking. To explore the role of this chemical cue, we looked at the interaction between sulcatone and an Or4 homolog expressed in the antennae of the strict nectar-feeding mosquito Toxorhynchites amboinensis. Using the two-electrode voltage clamp of Xenopus oocytes as a heterologous expression system, we show that this receptor is a high intensity sulcatone receptor comparable to its Aedes counterparts. We also show that OR4 is activated by other aliphatic ketones and is inhibited by DEET. This pharmacological characterization suggests that sulcatone may be operating in more than one context in the Culicidae family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Dekel
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Esther Yakir
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Jonathan D Bohbot
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
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