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Prelic S, Keesey IW, Lavista-Llanos S, Hansson BS, Wicher D. Innexin expression and localization in the Drosophila antenna indicate gap junction or hemichannel involvement in antennal chemosensory sensilla. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 398:35-62. [PMID: 39174822 PMCID: PMC11424723 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03909-3] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Odor detection in insects is largely mediated by structures on antennae called sensilla, which feature a strongly conserved architecture and repertoire of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and various support cell types. In Drosophila, OSNs are tightly apposed to supporting cells, whose connection with neurons and functional roles in odor detection remain unclear. Coupling mechanisms between these neuronal and non-neuronal cell types have been suggested based on morphological observations, concomitant physiological activity during odor stimulation, and known interactions that occur in other chemosensory systems. For instance, it is not known whether cell-cell coupling via gap junctions between OSNs and neighboring cells exists, or whether hemichannels interconnect cellular and extracellular sensillum compartments. Here, we show that innexins, which form hemichannels and gap junctions in invertebrates, are abundantly expressed in adult drosophilid antennae. By surveying antennal transcriptomes and performing various immunohistochemical stainings in antennal tissues, we discover innexin-specific patterns of expression and localization, with a majority of innexins strongly localizing to glial and non-neuronal cells, likely support and epithelial cells. Finally, by injecting gap junction-permeable dye into a pre-identified sensillum, we observe no dye coupling between neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Together with evidence of non-neuronal innexin localization, we conclude that innexins likely do not conjoin neurons to support cells, but that junctions and hemichannels may instead couple support cells among each other or to their shared sensillum lymph to achieve synchronous activity. We discuss how coupling of sensillum microenvironments or compartments may potentially contribute to facilitate chemosensory functions of odor sensing and sensillum homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinisa Prelic
- Dept. Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Ian W Keesey
- Dept. Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Sofia Lavista-Llanos
- Dept. Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Bill S Hansson
- Dept. Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Dieter Wicher
- Dept. Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany.
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2
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Johny J, Große-Wilde E, Kalinová B, Roy A. Antennal Transcriptome Screening and Identification of Chemosensory Proteins in the Double-Spine European Spruce Bark Beetle, Ips duplicatus (Coleoptera: Scolytinae). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9513. [PMID: 39273461 PMCID: PMC11395090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179513] [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: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The northern bark beetle, Ips duplicatus, is an emerging economic pest, reportedly infesting various species of spruce (Picea spp.), pine (Pinus spp.), and larch (Larix spp.) in Central Europe. Recent climate changes and inconsistent forest management practices have led to the rapid spread of this species, leaving the current monitoring strategies inefficient. As understanding the molecular components of pheromone detection is key to developing novel control strategies, we generated antennal transcriptomes from males and females of this species and annotated the chemosensory proteins. We identified putative candidates for 69 odorant receptors (ORs), 50 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 25 gustatory receptors (GRs), 27 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), including a tetramer-OBP, 9 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), and 6 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). However, no sex-specific chemosensory genes were detected. The phylogenetic analysis revealed conserved orthology in bark beetle chemosensory proteins, especially with a major forest pest and co-habitant, Ips typographus. Recent large-scale functional studies in I. typographus chemoreceptors add greater significance to the orthologous sequences reported here. Nevertheless, identifying chemosensory genes in I. duplicatus is valuable to understanding the chemosensory system and its evolution in bark beetles (Coleoptera) and, generally, insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibin Johny
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ewald Große-Wilde
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Kalinová
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Amit Roy
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
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3
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Sieriebriennikov B, Sieber KR, Kolumba O, Mlejnek J, Jafari S, Yan H. Orco-dependent survival of odorant receptor neurons in ants. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk9000. [PMID: 38848359 PMCID: PMC11160473 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk9000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Olfaction is essential for complex social behavior in insects. To discriminate complex social cues, ants evolved an expanded number of odorant receptor (Or) genes. Mutations in the obligate odorant co-receptor gene orco lead to the loss of ~80% of the antennal lobe glomeruli in the jumping ant Harpegnathos saltator. However, the cellular mechanism remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate massive apoptosis of odorant receptor neurons (ORNs) in the mid to late stages of pupal development, possibly due to ER stress in the absence of Orco. Further bulk and single-nucleus transcriptome analysis shows that, although most orco-expressing ORNs die in orco mutants, a small proportion of them survive: They express ionotropic receptor (Ir) genes that form IR complexes. In addition, we found that some Or genes are expressed in mechanosensory neurons and nonneuronal cells, possibly due to leaky regulation from nearby non-Or genes. Our findings provide a comprehensive overview of ORN development and Or expression in H. saltator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Sieriebriennikov
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Kayli R. Sieber
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Center for Smell and Taste, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Olena Kolumba
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jakub Mlejnek
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Shadi Jafari
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Hua Yan
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Center for Smell and Taste, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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4
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Sun Z, Inagaki S, Miyoshi K, Saito K, Hayashi S. Osiris gene family defines the cuticle nanopatterns of Drosophila. Genetics 2024; 227:iyae065. [PMID: 38652268 PMCID: PMC11151929 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae065] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanostructures of pores and protrusions in the insect cuticle modify molecular permeability and surface wetting and help insects sense various environmental cues. However, the cellular mechanisms that modify cuticle nanostructures are poorly understood. Here, we elucidate how insect-specific Osiris family genes are expressed in various cuticle-secreting cells in the Drosophila head during the early stages of cuticle secretion and cover nearly the entire surface of the head epidermis. Furthermore, we demonstrate how each sense organ cell with various cuticular nanostructures expressed a unique combination of Osiris genes. Osiris gene mutations cause various cuticle defects in the corneal nipples and pores of the chemosensory sensilla. Thus, our study emphasizes on the importance of Osiris genes for elucidating cuticle nanopatterning in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengkuan Sun
- Laboratory for Morphogenetic Signaling, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
- Department of Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8051, Japan
| | - Sachi Inagaki
- Laboratory for Morphogenetic Signaling, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Keita Miyoshi
- Department of Chromosome Science, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Department of Chromosome Science, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS), 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
- Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Shigeo Hayashi
- Laboratory for Morphogenetic Signaling, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
- Department of Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8051, Japan
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5
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Dong W, Song CY, Liu MQ, Gao YH, Zhao ZW, Zhang XB, Moussian B, Zhang JZ. Osiris17 is essential for stable integrin localization and function during insect wing epithelia remodeling. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130245. [PMID: 38367779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130245] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The dynamic adhesion between cells and their extracellular matrix is essential for the development and function of organs. During insect wing development, two epithelial sheets contact each other at their basal sites through the interaction of βPS integrins with the extracellular matrix. We report that Osiris17 contributes to the maintenance of βPS integrins localization and function in developing wing of Drosophila and locust. In flies with reduced Osiris17 expression the epithelia sheets fail to maintain the integrity of basal cytoplasmic junctional bridges and basal adhesion. In contrast to the continuous basal integrin localization in control wings, this localization is disrupted during late stages of wing development in Osiris17 depleted flies. In addition, the subcellular localization revealed that Osiris17 co-localizes with the endosomal markers Rab5 and Rab11. This observation suggests an involvement of Osiris17 in endosomal recycling of integrins. Indeed, Osiris17 depletion reduced the numbers of Rab5 and Rab11 positive endosomes. Moreover, overexpression of Osiris17 increased co-localization of Rab5 and βPS integrins and partially rescued the detachment phenotype in flies with reduced βPS integrins. Taken together, our data suggest that Osiris17 is an endosome related protein that contributes to epithelial remodeling and morphogenesis by assisting basal integrins localization in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dong
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Chen-Yang Song
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Meng-Qi Liu
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ying-Hao Gao
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhang-Wu Zhao
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xu-Bo Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Bernard Moussian
- INRAE, CNRS, Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Sophia Antipolis, Université Côte d(')Azur, 06108 Nice, France.
| | - Jian-Zhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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Dey M, Brown E, Charlu S, Keene A, Dahanukar A. Evolution of fatty acid taste in drosophilids. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113297. [PMID: 37864792 PMCID: PMC10697176 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113297] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Comparative studies of related but ecologically distinct species can reveal how the nervous system evolves to drive behaviors that are particularly suited to certain environments. Drosophila melanogaster is a generalist that feeds and oviposits on most overripe fruits. A sibling species, D. sechellia, is an obligate specialist of Morinda citrifolia (noni) fruit, which is rich in fatty acids (FAs). To understand evolution of noni taste preference, we characterized behavioral and cellular responses to noni-associated FAs in three related drosophilids. We find that mixtures of sugar and noni FAs evoke strong aversion in the generalist species but not in D. sechellia. Surveys of taste sensory responses reveal noni FA- and species-specific differences in at least two mechanisms-bitter neuron activation and sweet neuron inhibition-that correlate with shifts in noni preference. Chemoreceptor mutant analysis in D. melanogaster predicts that multiple genetic changes account for evolution of gustatory preference in D. sechellia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manali Dey
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Elizabeth Brown
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sandhya Charlu
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Alex Keene
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Anupama Dahanukar
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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7
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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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8
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Zhou Y, Deng D, Chen R, Lai C, Chen Q. Effects of antennal segments defects on blood-sucking behavior in Aedes albopictus. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0276036. [PMID: 37561778 PMCID: PMC10414602 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
After mating, female mosquitoes need a blood meal to promote the reproductive process. When mosquitoes bite infected people and animals, they become infected with germs such as viruses and parasites. Mosquitoes rely on many cues for host selection and localization, among which the trace chemical cues emitted by the host into the environment are considered to be the most important, and the sense of smell is the main way to perceive these trace chemical cues. However, the current understanding of the olfactory mechanism is not enough to meet the needs of mosquito control. Unlike previous studies that focused on the olfactory receptor recognition spectrum to reveal the olfactory mechanism of mosquito host localization. In this paper, based on the observation that mosquitoes with incomplete antennae still can locate the host and complete blood feeding in the laboratory, we proposed that there may be some protection or compensation mechanism in the 13 segments of antennae flagella, and only when the antennae are missing to a certain threshold will it affect the mosquito's ability to locate the host. Through rational-designed behavioral experiments, we found that the 6th and 7th flagellomeres on the Aedes albopictus antenna are important in the olfactory detection of host searching. This study preliminarily screened antennal segments important for host localization of Ae. albopictus, and provided a reference for subsequent cell biology and molecular biology studies on these segments. Meanwhile, the morphology and distribution of sensilla on each antenna flagellomere were also analyzed and discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyuan Zhou
- Research Center of Eugenics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics, The first affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Dongyang Deng
- Research Center of Eugenics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics, The first affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Rong Chen
- Research Center of Eugenics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics, The first affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Chencen Lai
- Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmaceutical Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Provincial Department of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Nosocomial Infection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Research Center of Eugenics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics, The first affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
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9
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Prelic S, Getahun MN, Kaltofen S, Hansson BS, Wicher D. Modulation of the NO-cGMP pathway has no effect on olfactory responses in the Drosophila antenna. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1180798. [PMID: 37305438 PMCID: PMC10248080 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1180798] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Olfaction is a crucial sensory modality in insects and is underpinned by odor-sensitive sensory neurons expressing odorant receptors that function in the dendrites as odorant-gated ion channels. Along with expression, trafficking, and receptor complexing, the regulation of odorant receptor function is paramount to ensure the extraordinary sensory abilities of insects. However, the full extent of regulation of sensory neuron activity remains to be elucidated. For instance, our understanding of the intracellular effectors that mediate signaling pathways within antennal cells is incomplete within the context of olfaction in vivo. Here, with the use of optical and electrophysiological techniques in live antennal tissue, we investigate whether nitric oxide signaling occurs in the sensory periphery of Drosophila. To answer this, we first query antennal transcriptomic datasets to demonstrate the presence of nitric oxide signaling machinery in antennal tissue. Next, by applying various modulators of the NO-cGMP pathway in open antennal preparations, we show that olfactory responses are unaffected by a wide panel of NO-cGMP pathway inhibitors and activators over short and long timescales. We further examine the action of cAMP and cGMP, cyclic nucleotides previously linked to olfactory processes as intracellular potentiators of receptor functioning, and find that both long-term and short-term applications or microinjections of cGMP have no effect on olfactory responses in vivo as measured by calcium imaging and single sensillum recording. The absence of the effect of cGMP is shown in contrast to cAMP, which elicits increased responses when perfused shortly before olfactory responses in OSNs. Taken together, the apparent absence of nitric oxide signaling in olfactory neurons indicates that this gaseous messenger may play no role as a regulator of olfactory transduction in insects, though may play other physiological roles at the sensory periphery of the antenna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinisa Prelic
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Merid N. Getahun
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sabine Kaltofen
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - 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
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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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