Identification and functional characterization of D-fructose receptor in an egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis.

Jianbai Liu,Guren Zhang,Dingxin Jiang,Han Wu,Jiequn Yi,Nicolas Desneux

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0217493

Jianbai Liu, Guren Zhang + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217493

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Abstract

In insects, the gustatory system has a critical function not only in selecting food and feeding behaviours but also in growth and metabolism. Gustatory receptors play an irreplaceable role in insect gustatory signalling. Trichogramma chilonis is an effective biocontrol agent against agricultural insect pests. However, the molecular mechanism of gustation in T. chilonis remains elusive. In this study, we found that T. chilonis adults had a preference for D-fructose and that D-fructose contributed to prolong longevity and improve fecundity. Then, We also isolated the full-length cDNA encoding candidate gustatory receptor (TchiGR43a) based on the transcriptome data of T. chilonis, and observed that the candidate gustatory receptor gene was expressed from the larval to adult stages. The expression levels of TchiGR43a were similar between female and male. A Xenopus oocyte expression system and two-electrode voltage-clamp recording further verified the function analysis of TchiGR43a. Electrophysiological results showed that TchiGR43a was exclusively tuned to D-fructose. By the studies of behaviour, molecular biology and electrophysiology in T. chilonis, our results lay a basic fundation of further study on the molecular mechanisms of gustatory reception and provide theoretical basis for the nutritional requirement of T. chilonis in biocontrol.

Highlights

Animals evolved a gustatory system that possesses the ability to detect and distinguish different taste stimuli in their living environments
T. chilonis adults showed a significant preference for D-fructose compared with water
D-fructose significantly increased the longevity of T. chilonis adults when compared with the controls (Fig 2A)

Summary

Introduction

Animals evolved a gustatory system that possesses the ability to detect and distinguish different taste stimuli in their living environments. The taste sensory system, which identifies and evaluates potential foods by discriminating between nutrients that benefit feeding behaviour, growth, and metabolism and harmful or even toxic compounds that are adverse to survival, is essential for most animals, ranging from flies to humans [1, 2]. Gustatory study in Trichogramma chilonis analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

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