A Functional Agonist of Insect Olfactory Receptors: Behavior, Physiology and Structure

A single mutation in the mosquito (Aedes aegypti) olfactory receptor 8 causes loss of function to 1-octen-3-ol

The host-seeking behavior of mosquitoes have long been established to be primarily odor-mediated. In this process, olfactory receptors (Ors) play a critical role. 1-Octen-3-ol is a common volatile compound that is attractive to hematophagous arthropods such as mosquitos. The olfactory receptor 8 (AaOr8) on the tip of the stylet and maxillary palp of Aedes aegypti is tuned to 1-octen-3-ol, which is required for mosquitoes to quickly find blood vessels from a vertebrate host. However, little is known about the interaction of AaOr8 with 1-octen-3-ol which was studied in vivo and in silico in this study. The molecular binding poses and energies between ligands and the receptor were investigated. Three mutants of AaOr8 were cloned and compared with in vivo calcium imaging utilizing heterologous expression systems. As a result, our findings imply that a genetic disruption including targeted modification of Ors genes may be used to reduce mosquito bites.

Recruitment of Hippodamia variegata by active volatiles from Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Alhagi sparsifolia plants infested with Aphis atrata

BACKGROUND

Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a dominant predatory natural enemy species in cotton-planting, is a key biological control agent for aphids in China. Our previous study showed that herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) from Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Fisch.) (Fabales: Fabaceae) and Alhagi sparsifolia (Desv.) (Fabales: Fabaceae) plants infested with Aphis atrata (Zhang) (Homoptera: Aphididae), were important semiochemicals for Hippodamia variegata to locate aphids. However, little was known about the varieties and function of active volatiles from HIPVs of the two plant species.

RESULTS

In this study, results from gas chromatography-electroantennography detection (GC-EAD) demonstrated that seven HIPVs (butyl acrylate, α-pinene, butyl isobutyrate, β-pinene, butyl butyrate, 1,3-diethylbenzene and 1,4-diethylbenzene) identified from the two damaged plant species elicited antennal responses from Hippodamia variegata. Also, results from gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that the concentrations of the seven active volatiles were significantly higher than those from corresponding healthy plants. Hippodamia variegata exhibited varying degrees of response to each active volatile in electroantennography (EAG) trials, however, only α-pinene, butyl isobutyrate, β-pinene and butyl butyrate significantly attracted Hippodamia variegata in behavioral trials conducted in the laboratory. They also had a better trapping effect on Hippodamia variegata in cotton fields.

CONCLUSION

Four active compounds (α-pinene, butyl isobutyrate, β-pinene and butyl butyrate) identified from two damaged plant species were considered the most effective HIPVs that attract Hippodamia variegata. These findings provide possibilities for the development of Hippodamia variegata attractants. They also provide a theoretical basis for the biological prevention and control of aphids using Hippodamia variegata. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

iORandLigandDB: A Website for Three-Dimensional Structure Prediction of Insect Odorant Receptors and Docking with Odorants

The use of insect-specific odorants to control the behavior of insects has always been a hot spot in research on "green" control strategies of insects. However, it is generally time-consuming and laborious to explore insect-specific odorants with traditional reverse chemical ecology methods. Here, an insect odorant receptor (OR) and ligand database website (iORandLigandDB) was developed for the specific exploration of insect-specific odorants by using deep learning algorithms. The website provides a range of specific odorants before molecular biology experiments as well as the properties of ORs in closely related insects. At present, the existing three-dimensional structures of ORs in insects and the docking data with related odorants can be retrieved from the database and further analyzed.

Silencing the odorant receptor co-receptor impairs olfactory reception in a sensillum-specific manner in the cockroach

Insects detect odors via a large variety of odorant receptors (ORs) expressed in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). The insect OR is a heteromeric complex composed of a ligand-specific receptor and the co-receptor (ORco). In this study, we identified the ORco gene of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana (PameORco), and performed RNAi-based functional analysis of PameORco. All OSNs in the basiconic sensilla expressed PameORco and received a large variety of odors including sex pheromones. In trichoid sensilla, a PameORco-positive OSN was consistently paired with a PameORco-negative OSN tuned to acids. In adult cockroaches injected with PameORco dsRNA at the nymphal stage, the expression of PameORco, odor receptions via ORs, and its central processing were strongly suppressed. These results provide new insights into the molecular basis of olfactory reception in the cockroach. The long-lasting and irreversible effects of PameORco RNAi would be an effective method for controlling the household pest.

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Whole sequence of ORco in the American cockroach (PameORco) was characterized

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PameORco expressed in olfactory sensory neurons in a sensillar type-specific manner

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RNAi chronically and irreversibly suppressed the PameORco expression beyond molts

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PameORco was essential for receptions of sex pheromones and general odors

Enantiomeric Discrimination in Insects: The Role of OBPs and ORs

Olfaction is a complex recognition process that is critical for chemical communication in insects. Though some insect species are capable of discrimination between compounds that are structurally similar, little is understood about how this high level of discrimination arises. Some insects rely on discriminating between enantiomers of a compound, demonstrating an ability for highly selective recognition. The role of two major peripheral olfactory proteins in insect olfaction, i.e., odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and odorant receptors (ORs) has been extensively studied. OBPs and ORs have variable discrimination capabilities, with some found to display highly specialized binding capability, whilst others exhibit promiscuous binding activity. A deeper understanding of how odorant-protein interactions induce a response in an insect relies on further analysis such as structural studies. In this review, we explore the potential role of OBPs and ORs in highly specific recognition, specifically enantiomeric discrimination. We summarize the state of research into OBP and OR function and focus on reported examples in the literature of clear enantiomeric discrimination by these proteins.

Computational investigation of aphid odorant receptor structure and binding function

Odorant receptors (OR) play a critical role in signal transduction and olfactory recognition in insects. Unfortunately, insect ORs are difficult to express and purify, and limited structural data are available. Computational methods were used to predict models for aphid ORs, and binding interactions with aphid pheromones and other semiochemicals were investigated. Previously functionally characterised ORs from the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, ApisOR4 and ApisOR5, were screened against functional ligands. ApisOR5 had a defined binding site, and had predicted interactions with the aphid alarm pheromone, (E)-β-farnesene. ApisOR4 had multiple distinct binding sites and showed broad tuning to multiple odorants. Screening of six other highly conserved ORs showed some interactions and potential enantiomeric discrimination between the aphid sex pheromone components (4aS,7S,7aR)-nepetalactone and (1R,4aS,7S,7aR)-nepetalactol. These results indicate that specific binding sites may be more critical to understanding olfactory activity of ligands and ORs than kinetic data, and greater knowledge of the method of action of ORs is required.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Drosophila melanogaster Chemosensory Pathways as Potential Targets to Curb the Insect Menace

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.

Cellular and Molecular Targets of Waterbuck Repellent Blend Odors in Antennae of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes Newstead, 1910

Insects that transmit many of the world's deadliest animal diseases, for instance trypanosomosis, find their suitable hosts and avoid non-preferred hosts mostly through olfactory cues. The waterbuck repellent blend (WRB) comprising geranylacetone, guaiacol, pentanoic acid, and δ-octalactone derived from waterbuck skin odor is a repellent to some savannah-adapted tsetse flies and reduces trap catches of riverine species. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with detection and coding of the repellent odors remain to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that WRB inhibited blood feeding in both Glossina pallidipes Austen, 1903 and Glossina fuscipes fuscipes Newstead, 1910. Using the DREAM (Deorphanization of Receptors based on Expression Alterations in odorant receptor mRNA levels) technique, combined with ortholog comparison and molecular docking, we predicted the putative odorant receptors (ORs) for the WRB in G. f. fuscipes, a non-model insect. We show that exposure of G. f. fuscipes in vivo to WRB odorant resulted in up- and downregulation of mRNA transcript of several ORs. The WRB component with strong feeding inhibition altered mRNA transcript differently as compared to an attractant odor, showing these two odors of opposing valence already segregate at the cellular and molecular levels. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the predicted ligand-OR binding pockets consisted mostly of hydrophobic residues with a few hydrogen bonds but a stable interaction. Finally, our electrophysiological response showed the olfactory sensory neurons of G. f. fuscipes tuned to the tsetse repellent components in different sensitivity and selectivity.

Deorphanization of an odorant receptor revealed new bioactive components for green mirid bug Apolygus lucorum (Hemiptera: Miridae)

BACKGROUND

The Apolygus lucorum is one of the most destructive insect pests in China with a wide range of host plants. Interaction of A. lucorum with surrounding environment heavily relies on chemical communication. Deorphanization of receptors involved in odors detection elevates our understanding of the olfactory system of this pest and may help to develop a chemical ecology-based control strategy.

RESULTS

AlucOR80, an odorant receptor (OR) in A. lucorum was newly cloned. Gene expression analysis showed that this receptor was mainly expressed in the antennae and head of both sexes but with a male bias. The Xenopus oocytes heterologous expression system coupled with the two-electrode voltage-clamp (TEVC) recording revealed that AlucOR80 was tuned to 21 selected compounds. Furthermore, electroantennogram (EAG) tests confirmed that all 21 ligands of AlucOR80 were electrophysiologically active in antennae of both sexes. Behavioral trials in a three-cage olfactometer indicated that 16 compounds were behaviorally active, amongst which, 12 components were attractants and four components were repellents for adults of both sexes. Butyl butyrate and Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) were the strongest attractive and repellant compounds, respectively. Importantly, we found the repellency of 1, 8-Cineole, S-(-)-cis-Verbenol and (1S)-(1)-beta-Pinene against adults of A. lucorum.

CONCLUSION

Although AlucOR80 is a general OR, may play important role in the olfactory perception of A. lucorum. Screening of AlucOR80 ligands by behavioral assay provided valuable insights by which olfactory-based management approaches could be developed by utilizing the behaviorally active components as attractants or repellents. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.