Abstract
Olfactory receptors are believed to play a central role in insects host-seeking, mating, and ovipositing. On the basis of male and female antennal transcriptome of adult Apolygus lucorum, a total of 110 candidate A. lucorum odorant receptors (AlucOR) were identified in this study including five previously annotated AlucORs. All the sequences were validated by cloning and sequencing. Tissue expression profiles analysis by RT-PCR indicated most AlucORs were antennal highly expressed genes. The qPCR measurements further revealed 40 AlucORs were significantly higher in the antennae. One AlucOR was primarily expressed in the female antennae, while nine AlucORs exhibited male-biased expression patterns. Additionally, both the RPKM value and RT-qPCR analysis showed AlucOR83 and AlucOR21 were much higher abundant in male antennae than in female antennae, suggesting their different roles in chemoreception of gender. Phylogenetic analysis of ORs from several Hemipteran species demonstrated that most AlucORs had orthologous genes, and five AlucOR-specific clades were defined. In addition, a sub-clade of potential male-based sex pheromone receptors were also identified in the phylogenetic tree of AlucORs. Our results will facilitate the functional studies of AlucORs, and thereby provide a foundation for novel pest management approaches based on these genes.
Highlights
Olfactory receptors are believed to play a central role in insects host-seeking, mating, and ovipositing
Diverse olfactory proteins are evolved in this olfactory sensation process, including odorant-binding proteins (OBP), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), odorant-degrading enzymes (ODEs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), and odorant receptors (ORs)[2,3,7,8]
To identify candidate OR genes from A. lucorum, two transcriptomes of the male and female antennae were generated by HiSeq 2500 platform
Summary
Olfactory receptors are believed to play a central role in insects host-seeking, mating, and ovipositing. A sub-clade of potential male-based sex pheromone receptors were identified in the phylogenetic tree of AlucORs. Our results will facilitate the functional studies of AlucORs, and thereby provide a foundation for novel pest management approaches based on these genes. Chemosensory sensilla distribute over the surface of chemosensory tissues including antennae, palps, mouth parts, tarsi, and many other organs[3], which mediate many key behaviors, such as host-seeking, mate choice, oviposition site selection, and predator avoidance[2]. The antenna is a specialized organ for insect sensing, which is the most significant organs of olfaction, housing thousands of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) that extend their dendrites up into the sensilla and project their axons towards the brain[4,5]. To date, the exact functions of insect OR genes are largely unknown
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
