1
|
Pullmann-Lindsley H, Huff RM, Boyi J, Pitts RJ. Odorant receptors for floral- and plant-derived volatiles in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302496. [PMID: 38709760 PMCID: PMC11073699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302496] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Adult mosquitoes require regular sugar meals, including nectar, to survive in natural habitats. Both males and females locate potential sugar sources using sensory proteins called odorant receptors (ORs) activated by plant volatiles to orient toward flowers or honeydew. The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), possesses a large gene family of ORs, many of which are likely to detect floral odors. In this study, we have uncovered ligand-receptor pairings for a suite of Aedes aegypti ORs using a panel of environmentally relevant, plant-derived volatile chemicals and a heterologous expression system. Our results support the hypothesis that these odors mediate sensory responses to floral odors in the mosquito's central nervous system, thereby influencing appetitive or aversive behaviors. Further, these ORs are well conserved in other mosquitoes, suggesting they function similarly in diverse species. This information can be used to assess mosquito foraging behavior and develop novel control strategies, especially those that incorporate mosquito bait-and-kill technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Mark Huff
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
| | - John Boyi
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
| | - Ronald Jason Pitts
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pullmann-Lindsley H, Huff R, Boyi J, Pitts RJ. Odorant receptors for floral- and plant-derived volatiles in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.17.562234. [PMID: 38328195 PMCID: PMC10849520 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.17.562234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Adult mosquitoes require regular sugar meals, usually floral nectar, to survive and flourish in natural habitats. Both males and females locate potential sugar sources using sensory proteins called odorant receptors activated by plant volatiles that facilitate orientation toward flowers or honeydew. The Yellow Fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), possesses a large repertoire of odorant receptors, many of which are likely to support floral odor detection and nectar-seeking. In this study, we have employed a heterologous expression system and the two-electrode voltage clamping technique to identify environmentally relevant chemical compounds that activate specific odorant receptors. Importantly, we have uncovered ligand-receptor pairings for a suite of Aedes aegypti odorant receptors likely to mediate appetitive or aversive behavioral responses, thus shaping a critical aspect of the life history of a medically important mosquito. Moreover, the high degree of conservation of these receptors in other disease-transmitting species suggests common mechanisms of floral odor detection. This knowledge can be used to further investigate mosquito foraging behavior to either enhance existing, or develop novel, control strategies, especially those that incorporate mosquito bait-and-kill or attractive toxic sugar bait technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Huff
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, 101 Bagby Avenue, Waco, TX 76706
| | - John Boyi
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, 101 Bagby Avenue, Waco, TX 76706
| | - R Jason Pitts
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, 101 Bagby Avenue, Waco, TX 76706
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Y, Han HB, Li YY, Xu LB, Hao LF, Wang H, Wang WH, Gao SJ, Lin KJ. Functional Characterization of Pheromone Receptors in the Beet Webworm, Loxostege sticticalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). INSECTS 2023; 14:584. [PMID: 37504590 PMCID: PMC10380584 DOI: 10.3390/insects14070584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Lepidopteran insects mainly rely on sex pheromones to complete sexual communications. Pheromone receptors (PRs) are expressed on the olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) of the sensilla trichodea and play an essential role in sexual communication. Despite extensive investigations into the mechanisms of peripheral recognition of sex pheromones in Lepidoptera, knowledge about these mechanisms in L. sticticalis remains limited. In this study, five candidate LstiPRs were analyzed in a phylogenetic tree with those of other Lepidopteran insects. Electroantennography (EAG) assays showed that the major sex pheromone component E11-14:OAc elicited a stronger antennal response than other compounds in male moths. Moreover, two types of neurons in sensilla trichodea were classified by single sensillum recordings, of which the "a" neuron specifically responded to E11-14:OAc. Five candidate PRs were functionally assayed by the heterologous expression system of Xenopus oocytes, and LstiPR2 responded to the major sex pheromone E11-14:OAc. Our findings suggest that LstiPR2 is a PR sensitive to L. sticticalis's major sex pheromone compound, E11-14:OAc. Furthermore, this study offers valuable insights into the sexual communication behavior of L. sticticalis, forming a foundation for further analysis of the species' central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biohazard Monitoring, Green Prevention and Control for Artificial Grassland, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Grassland Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
| | - Hai-Bin Han
- Key Laboratory of Biohazard Monitoring, Green Prevention and Control for Artificial Grassland, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Grassland Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
| | - Yan-Yan Li
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Lin-Bo Xu
- Key Laboratory of Biohazard Monitoring, Green Prevention and Control for Artificial Grassland, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Grassland Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
| | - Li-Fen Hao
- Key Laboratory of Biohazard Monitoring, Green Prevention and Control for Artificial Grassland, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Grassland Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biohazard Monitoring, Green Prevention and Control for Artificial Grassland, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Grassland Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
| | - Wen-He Wang
- Forest Farm of Baichengzi of Alukeerqin Banner, Chifeng 024000, China
| | - Shu-Jing Gao
- Key Laboratory of Biohazard Monitoring, Green Prevention and Control for Artificial Grassland, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Grassland Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
| | - Ke-Jian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biohazard Monitoring, Green Prevention and Control for Artificial Grassland, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Grassland Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Y, He X, Qiao L, Yu Z, Chen B, He Z. CRISPR/Cas9 mediates efficient site-specific mutagenesis of the odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) in the malaria vector Anopheles sinensis. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3294-3304. [PMID: 35484862 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anopheles sinensis is the most widely distributed mosquito species and is the main transmitter of Plasmodium vivax malaria in China. Most previous research has focused on the mechanistic understanding of biological processes in An. sinensis and novel ways of interrupting malaria transmission. However, the development of functional genomics and genetics-based vector control strategies against An. sinensis remain limited because of insufficient site-specific genome editing tools. RESULTS We report the first successful application of the CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knock-in for highly efficient, site-specific mutagenesis in An. sinensis. The EGFP marker gene driven by the 3 × P3 promoter was precisely integrated into the odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) by direct injections of Cas9 protein, double-stranded DNA donor, and Orco-gRNA. We achieved a mutation rate of 3.77%, similar to rates in other mosquito species. Precise knock-in at the intended locus was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing. The Orco mutation severely impaired mosquito sensitivity to some odors and their ability to locate and discriminate a human host. CONCLUSION Orco was confirmed as a key mediator of multiple olfactory-driven behaviors in the An. sinensis life cycle, highlighting the importance of Orco as a key molecular target for malaria control. The results also demonstrated that CRISPR/Cas9 was a simple and highly efficient genome editing technique for An. sinensis and could be used to develop genetic control tools for this vector. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- You Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects; Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingfei He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects; Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects; Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengrong Yu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects; Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects; Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengbo He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects; Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
He Z, Yu Z, He X, Hao Y, Qiao L, Luo S, Zhang J, Chen B. Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of odorant receptor genes in the malaria vector Anopheles sinensis. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:143. [PMID: 35461301 PMCID: PMC9034491 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05259-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The olfactory system plays a crucial role in regulating insect behaviors. The detection of odorants is mainly mediated by various odorant receptors (ORs) that are expressed in the dendrites of olfactory neurons of chemosensilla. Anophelessinensis is a major malaria vector in Eastern Asia and its genome has recently been successfully sequenced and annotated. In this study, we present genome-wide identification and expression profiling of OR genes in different chemosensory tissues of An.sinensis. Methods The OR genes were identified using the available genome sequences of An.sinensis. A series of bioinformatics analyses were conducted to investigate the structure, genome distribution, selective pressure and phylogenetic relationships of OR genes, the conserved domains and specific functional sites in the OR amino acid sequences. The expression levels of OR genes were analyzed from transcriptomic data from An.sinensis antennae, proboscis and maxillary palps of both sexes. Results A total of 59 putative OR genes have been identified and characterized in An.sinensis. This number is significantly less than that in An.gambiae. Whether this difference is caused by the contraction or expansion of OR genes after divergence of the two species remains unknown. The RNA-seq analysis showed that AsORs have obvious tissue- and sex-specific expression patterns. Most AsORs are highly expressed in the antennae and the expression pattern and number of AsORs expressed in antennae are similar in males and females. However, the relative levels of AsOR transcripts are much higher in female antennae than in male antennae, which indicates that the odor sensitivity is likely to be increased in female mosquitoes. Based on the expression patterns and previous studies, we have speculated on the functions of some OR genes but this needs to be validated by further behavioral, molecular and electrophysiological studies. Further studies are necessary to compare the olfactory-driven behaviors and identify receptors that respond strongly to components of human odors that may act in the process of human recognition. Conclusions This is the first genome-wide analysis of the entire repertoire of OR genes in An.sinensis. Characterized features and profiled expression patterns of ORs suggest their involvement in the odorous reception of this species. Our findings provide a basis for further research on the functions of OR genes and additional genetic and behavioral targets for more sustainable management of An.sinensis in the future. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05259-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengbo He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhengrong Yu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingfei He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
| | - Youjin Hao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
| | - Shihui Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ni M, Zhao T, Lv HX, Li MJ, Xing D, Zhao TY, Li CX. Screening for odorant receptor genes expressed in Aedes aegypti involved in host-seeking, blood-feeding and oviposition behaviors. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:71. [PMID: 35246203 PMCID: PMC8895831 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05196-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aedes aegypti is one of the most important vectors of zoonotic diseases worldwide, and its survival and reproductive processes depend heavily on its olfactory system. In this study, the expression levels of all odorant receptor (OR) genes of Ae. aegypti were explored during different physiological periods to identify olfactory genes that may be associated with mosquito blood-feeding and the search for oviposition sites. Methods Four experimental groups, consisting of Ae. aegypti males, pre-blood-feeding females, post-blood-feeding females and post-oviposition females, were established. A total of 114 pairs of primers targeting all messenger RNA encoded by OR genes were designed based on the whole genome of Ae. aegypti. The expression of OR genes was evaluated by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR for relative quantification and the comparison of differences between groups. Results A total of 53 differentially expressed OR genes were identified between males and females in Ae. aegypti antennae. Also, eight, eight and 13 differentially expressed OR genes were identified in pre- versus post-blood-feeding females, in pre- versus post-oviposition females and in post-blood-feeding versus post-oviposition females, respectively. In addition, 16 OR genes were significantly differentially expressed in multiple physiological periods of the mosquitoes. Conclusions A large number of ORs with significant intergroup differences and high expression levels were screened in this study. Some of these genes are reported for the first time, providing possible targets for the development of mosquito control pathways based on the olfactory system. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05196-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Ni
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Teng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Hui-Xin Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Man-Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Dan Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Tong-Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Chun-Xiao Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Disease, Beijing, 100071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mwingira V, Mboera LEG, Dicke M, Takken W. Exploiting the chemical ecology of mosquito oviposition behavior in mosquito surveillance and control: a review. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2020; 45:155-179. [PMID: 33207066 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Vector control is an important component of the interventions aimed at mosquito-borne disease control. Current and future mosquito control strategies are likely to rely largely on the understanding of the behavior of the vector, by exploiting mosquito biology and behavior, while using cost-effective, carefully timed larvicidal and high-impact, low-volume adulticidal applications. Here we review the knowledge on the ecology of mosquito oviposition behavior with emphasis on the potential role of infochemicals in surveillance and control of mosquito-borne diseases. A search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Global Health Archive, and Google Scholar databases was conducted using the keywords mosquito, infochemical, pheromone, kairomone, allomone, synomone, apneumone, attractant, host-seeking, and oviposition. Articles in English from 1974 to 2019 were reviewed to gain comprehensive understanding of current knowledge on infochemicals in mosquito resource-searching behavior. Oviposition of many mosquito species is mediated by infochemicals that comprise pheromones, kairomones, synomones, allomones, and apneumones. The novel putative infochemicals that mediate oviposition in the mosquito subfamilies Anophelinae and Culicinae were identified. The role of infochemicals in surveillance and control of these and other mosquito tribes is discussed with respect to origin of the chemical cues and how these affect gravid mosquitoes. Oviposition attractants and deterrents can potentially be used for manipulation of mosquito behavior by making protected resources unsuitable for mosquitoes (push) while luring them towards attractive sources (pull). In this review, strategies of targeting breeding sites with environmentally friendly larvicides with the aim to develop appropriate trap-and-kill techniques are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Mwingira
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Research Centre, P.O. Box 81, Muheza, Tanzania
| | - Leonard E G Mboera
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3297 Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Marcel Dicke
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem Takken
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ruel DM, Yakir E, Bohbot JD. Supersensitive Odorant Receptor Underscores Pleiotropic Roles of Indoles in Mosquito Ecology. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 12:533. [PMID: 30733668 PMCID: PMC6353850 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes exhibit highly diverse and fast evolving odorant receptors (ORs). The indole-sensitive OR gene clade, comprised of Or2 and Or10 is a notable exception on account of its conservation in both mosquito subfamilies. This group of paralogous genes exhibits a complex developmental expression pattern in Aedes aegypti: AaegOr2 is expressed in both adults and larvae, AaegOr10 is adult-specific and a third member named AaegOr9 is larva-specific. OR2 and OR10 have been deorphanized and are selectively activated by indole and skatole, respectively. Using the two-electrode voltage clamp of Xenopus oocytes expressing Ae. aegypti ORs, we show that AaegOR9 is supersensitive and narrowly tuned to skatole. Our findings suggest that Ae. aegypti has evolved two distinct molecular strategies to detect skatole in aquatic and terrestrial environments, highlighting the central ecological roles of indolic compounds in the evolutionary and life histories of these insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jonathan D. Bohbot
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| |
Collapse
|