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Jiang X, Dimitriou E, Grabe V, Sun R, Chang H, Zhang Y, Gershenzon J, Rybak J, Hansson BS, Sachse S. Ring-shaped odor coding in the antennal lobe of migratory locusts. Cell 2024; 187:3973-3991.e24. [PMID: 38897195 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.036] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The representation of odors in the locust antennal lobe with its >2,000 glomeruli has long remained a perplexing puzzle. We employed the CRISPR-Cas9 system to generate transgenic locusts expressing the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP in olfactory sensory neurons. Using two-photon functional imaging, we mapped the spatial activation patterns representing a wide range of ecologically relevant odors across all six developmental stages. Our findings reveal a functionally ring-shaped organization of the antennal lobe composed of specific glomerular clusters. This configuration establishes an odor-specific chemotopic representation by encoding different chemical classes and ecologically distinct odors in the form of glomerular rings. The ring-shaped glomerular arrangement, which we confirm by selective targeting of OR70a-expressing sensory neurons, occurs throughout development, and the odor-coding pattern within the glomerular population is consistent across developmental stages. Mechanistically, this unconventional spatial olfactory code reflects the locust-specific and multiplexed glomerular innervation pattern of the antennal lobe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingcong Jiang
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany; Research Group Olfactory Coding, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Eleftherios Dimitriou
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Veit Grabe
- Microscopic Service Group, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Ruo Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Hetan Chang
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Yifu Zhang
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jonathan Gershenzon
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Rybak
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Bill S Hansson
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Silke Sachse
- Research Group Olfactory Coding, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Boronat-Garcia A, Iben J, Dominguez-Martin E, Stopfer M. Identification and analysis of odorant receptors expressed in the two main olfactory organs, antennae and palps, of Schistocerca americana. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22628. [PMID: 36587060 PMCID: PMC9805433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27199-3] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Locusts depend upon their sense of smell and provide useful models for understanding olfaction. Extending this understanding requires knowledge of the molecular and structural organization of the olfactory system. Odor sensing begins with olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), which express odorant receptors (ORs). In insects, ORNs are housed, in varying numbers, in olfactory sensilla. Because the organization of ORs within sensilla affects their function, it is essential to identify the ORs they contain. Here, using RNA sequencing, we identified 179 putative ORs in the transcriptomes of the two main olfactory organs, antenna and palp, of the locust Schistocerca americana. Quantitative expression analysis showed most putative ORs (140) are expressed in antennae while only 31 are in the palps. Further, our analysis identified one OR detected only in the palps and seven ORs that are expressed differentially by sex. An in situ analysis of OR expression suggested ORs are organized in non-random combinations within antennal sensilla. A phylogenetic comparison of OR predicted protein sequences revealed homologous relationships among two other Acrididae species. Our results provide a foundation for understanding the organization of the first stage of the olfactory system in S. americana, a well-studied model for olfactory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Boronat-Garcia
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Section on Sensory Coding and Neural Ensembles, National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child and Human Development, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - James Iben
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Molecular and Genomics Core, National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child and Human Development, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Eunice Dominguez-Martin
- grid.416870.c0000 0001 2177 357XBiochemistry Section, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Mark Stopfer
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Section on Sensory Coding and Neural Ensembles, National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child and Human Development, Bethesda, MD USA
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Cassau S, Sander D, Karcher T, Laue M, Hause G, Breer H, Krieger J. The Sensilla-Specific Expression and Subcellular Localization of SNMP1 and SNMP2 Reveal Novel Insights into Their Roles in the Antenna of the Desert Locust Schistocerca gregaria. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13070579. [PMID: 35886755 PMCID: PMC9317141 DOI: 10.3390/insects13070579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, can form gigantic swarms of millions of individuals that devastate the vegetation of invaded landscapes. Locust food search, reproduction, and aggregation behaviors are triggered and controlled by complex olfactory signals. Insects detect odorants through different types of olfactory sensilla on the antenna that house olfactory sensory neurons and associated support cells, both of which express the proteins required for olfactory signaling. Among these proteins, two members of the CD36 lipid transporter/receptor family, named sensory neuron membrane proteins 1 and 2 (SNMP1 and SNMP2), are indicated to be of vital importance. Towards a better understanding of the role of the two SNMPs in the olfactory system of S. gregaria, we have analysed their antennal topography and subcellular localization using specific antibodies. The results indicate sensilla type- and cell type-specific distribution patterns of the SNMP proteins. SNMP1 was located in the receptive dendrites of subpopulations of olfactory sensory neurons as well as in the microvilli of associated support cells, suggesting a dual function of this protein, both in olfactory signal detection and in sensillum lymph maintenance, respectively. In contrast, SNMP2 was found solely in support cells and their microvilli membranes, suggesting a role limited to sensillum lymph recovery processes. Abstract Insect olfactory sensilla house olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and supports cells (SCs). The olfactory sensory processes require, besides the odorant receptors (ORs), insect-specific members of the CD36 family, named sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). While SNMP1 is considered to act as a coreceptor in the OR-mediated detection of pheromones, SNMP2 was found to be expressed in SCs; however, its function is unknown. For the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, we previously visualized mRNA for SNMP1 in OSNs and SNMP2 mRNA in cells associated with OSN clusters. Towards an understanding of their functional implication, it is imperative to explore the cellular and the subcellular localization the SNMP proteins. Therefore, we have generated polyclonal antibodies against SNMP1 and SNMP2 and used fluorescence immunohistochemistry (FIHC) to visualize the SNMP proteins. We found SNMP1 in the somata and respective dendrites of all OSNs in trichoid sensilla and in subsets of OSNs in basiconic sensilla. Notably, SNMP1 was also detected in SCs of these sensilla types. In contrast, SNMP2 protein was only visualized in SCs of basiconic and coeloconic sensilla, but not of trichoid sensilla. Exploring the subcellular localization by electron microscopy using anti-SNMP1-ab and anti-SNMP2-ab revealed an immunogold labelling of SC microvilli bordering the sensillum lymph. Together our findings suggest a dual role of SNMP1 in the antenna of S. gregaria, in some OSN subpopulations in odor detection as well as in functions of some SCs, whereas the role of SNMP2 is limited to the functions of support cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Cassau
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.S.); (T.K.)
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Doreen Sander
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.S.); (T.K.)
| | - Thomas Karcher
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.S.); (T.K.)
- BMG Labtech GmbH, 77799 Ortenberg, Germany
| | - Michael Laue
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens 4 (ZBS 4), Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Gerd Hause
- Microscopy Unit, Biocenter, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Heinz Breer
- Institute of Physiology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;
| | - Jürgen Krieger
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (D.S.); (T.K.)
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (J.K.)
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Pregitzer P, Jiang X, Lemke RS, Krieger J, Fleischer J, Breer H. A Subset of Odorant Receptors from the Desert Locust Schistocerca gregaria Is Co-Expressed with the Sensory Neuron Membrane Protein 1. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10100350. [PMID: 31627262 PMCID: PMC6835626 DOI: 10.3390/insects10100350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria (S. gregaria), pheromones are considered to be crucial for governing important behaviors and processes, including phase transition, reproduction, aggregation and swarm formation. The receptors mediating pheromone detection in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) on the antenna of S. gregaria are unknown. Since pheromone receptors in other insects belong to the odorant receptor (OR) family and are typically co-expressed with the “sensory neuron membrane protein 1” (SNMP1), in our search for putative pheromone receptors of S. gregaria, we have screened the OR repertoire for receptor types that are expressed in SNMP1-positive OSNs. Based on phylogenetic analyses, we categorized the 119 ORs of S. gregaria into three groups (I–III) and analyzed a substantial number of ORs for co-expression with SNMP1 by two-color fluorescence in situ hybridization. We have identified 33 ORs that were co-expressed with SNMP1. In fact, the majority of ORs from group I and II were found to be expressed in SNMP1-positive OSNs, but only very few receptors from group III, which comprises approximately 60% of all ORs from S. gregaria, were co-expressed with SNMP1. These findings indicate that numerous ORs from group I and II could be important for pheromone communication. Collectively, we have identified a broad range of candidate pheromone receptors in S. gregaria that are not randomly distributed throughout the OR family but rather segregate into phylogenetically distinct receptor clades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Pregitzer
- Institute of Physiology (230), University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Xingcong Jiang
- Institute of Physiology (230), University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - René-Sebastian Lemke
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Jürgen Krieger
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Jörg Fleischer
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology/Zoology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Heinz Breer
- Institute of Physiology (230), University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
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