scholarly journals The diverse small proteins called odorant-binding proteins

Open Biology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 180208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer S. Sun ◽  
Shuke Xiao ◽  
John R. Carlson
Keyword(s):  
Olfactory System ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Large Family ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Odorant Binding Proteins ◽  
Small Proteins ◽  
Abundance And Diversity ◽  
Odorant Binding

The term ‘odorant-binding proteins (Obps)’ is used to refer to a large family of insect proteins that are exceptional in their number, abundance and diversity. The name derives from the expression of many family members in the olfactory system of insects and their ability to bind odorants in vitro. However, an increasing body of evidence reveals a much broader role for this family of proteins. Recent results also provoke interesting questions about their mechanisms of action, both within and outside the olfactory system. Here we describe the identification of the first Obps and some cardinal properties of these proteins. We then consider their function, discussing both the prevailing orthodoxy and the increasing grounds for heterodox views. We then examine these proteins from a broader perspective and consider some intriguing questions in need of answers.

scholarly journals Sex- and tissue-specific transcriptome analyses and expression profiling of olfactory-related genes in Ceracris nigricornis Walker (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

BMC Genomics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Yuan ◽  
Huihui Chang ◽  
Lina Zhao ◽  
Chao Yang ◽  
Yuan Huang
Keyword(s):  
Olfactory System ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Odorant Receptors ◽  
Evolutionary Trend ◽  
Odorant Binding Proteins ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Host Seeking ◽  
Odorant Binding ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background The sophisticated insect olfactory system plays an important role in recognizing external odors and enabling insects to adapt to environment. Foraging, host seeking, mating, ovipositing and other forms of chemical communication are based on olfaction, which requires the participation of multiple olfactory genes. The exclusive evolutionary trend of the olfactory system in Orthoptera insects is an excellent model for studying olfactory evolution, but limited olfaction research is available for these species. The olfactory-related genes of Ceracris nigricornis Walker (Orthoptera: Acrididae), a severe pest of bamboos, have not yet been reported. Results We sequenced and analyzed the transcriptomes from different tissues of C. nigricornis and obtained 223.76 Gb clean data that were assembled into 43,603 unigenes with an N50 length of 2235 bp. Among the transcripts, 66.79% of unigenes were annotated. Based on annotation and tBLASTn results, 112 candidate olfactory-related genes were identified for the first time, including 20 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 10 chemosensory-binding proteins (CSPs), 71 odorant receptors (ORs), eight ionotropic receptors (IRs) and three sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). The fragments per kilobase per million mapped fragments (FPKM) values showed that most olfactory-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in the antennae, and these results were confirmed by detecting the expression of olfactory-related genes with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Among these antennae-enriched genes, some were sex-biased, indicating their different roles in the olfactory system of C. nigricornis. Conclusions This study provides the first comprehensive list and expression profiles of olfactory-related genes in C. nigricornis and a foundation for functional studies of these olfactory-related genes at the molecular level.

scholarly journals Pleiotropic Odorant-Binding Proteins Promote Aedes aegypti Reproduction and Flavivirus Transmission

mBio ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengzhang Dong ◽  
Zi Ye ◽  
Chinmay Vijay Tikhe ◽  
Zhijian Jake Tu ◽  
Laurence J. Zwiebel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Olfactory System ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Physiological Functions ◽  
Odorant Binding Proteins ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Odorant Binding

Aedes aegypti is the major vector for many arthropod-borne viral diseases, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. Previous studies suggested that odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) may have diverse physiological functions beyond the olfactory system in mosquitoes; however, these hypothesized functions have not yet been demonstrated.

scholarly journals Antennal transcriptome analysis and expression profiles of odorant binding proteins in two woodwasps, Sirex noctilio and S. nitobei (Hymenoptera: Siricidae)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Guo ◽  
Jing-Zhen Wang ◽  
Hai-Li Qiao ◽  
Wei-Wei Wu ◽  
Jing-Jiang Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptome Analysis ◽  
Olfactory System ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Sirex Noctilio ◽  
Odorant Binding Proteins ◽  
Odor Recognition ◽  
Odorant Binding

Abstract Background The olfactory system is the foundation of insect behavior. Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are key components of the insect olfactory system. The woodwasp Sirex noctilio Fabricius is a major quarantine pest worldwide that was first discovered in China in 2013 and mainly harms members of the Pinus genus. S. nitobei Matsumura is a native species in China and is closely related to S. noctilio. To gain insights into the olfactory mechanisms of these two woodwasp species, olfactory genes were identified using antennal transcriptome analysis. We also analyzed the expression profiles of OBPs with RT-qPCR. Results From our transcriptome analysis, 16 OBPs, 7 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 41 odorant receptors (ORs), 8 gustatory receptors (GRs), 13 ionotropic receptors (IRs), and one sensory neuron membrane protein (SNMP) were identified in S. noctilio, while 15 OBPs, 6 CSPs, 43 ORs, 10 GRs, 16 IRs, and 1 SNMP were identified in S. nitobei. Most of the olfactory genes identified in two species were homologous. However, some species-specific olfactory genes were identified in the antennal transcriptomes, including SnocOBP13, SnocCSP6, SnocOR26, SnitGR9, and SnitIR17. In total, 14 OBPs (7 in S. noctilio and 7 in S. nitobei) were expressed primarily in the antennae of the two woodwasps. SnocOBP11 and SnitOBP11 were highly expressed in antennae and were also clearly expressed in the external genitalia. SnocOBP3 is highly expressed in the genitalia of females, and SnocOBP7 and SnitOBP7 are highly expressed in the genitalia of males. Meanwhile, SnocOBP10 was specifically expressed in male heads. Conclusion In total, 86 olfactory proteins were identified in S. noctilio, and 91 were identified in S. nitobei. Most SnocOBPs and SnitOBPs displayed enriched expression in the antennae, which are involved in odor recognition. A few OBPs were mainly expressed in the external genitals or heads and exhibited an obvious sex bias, which may indicate that the external genitals and heads are able to recognize sex pheromones or plant volatile compounds as a part of normal behaviors such as feeding, mating, or spawning. Our study provides key insights regarding the mechanism of interactions between the insect olfactory system and specific odor molecules.

scholarly journals Antennal transcriptome analysis and expression profiles of odorant binding proteins in two woodwasps, Sirex noctilio and S. nitobei (Hymenoptera: Siricidae)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Guo ◽  
Jing-Zhen Wang ◽  
Hai-Li Qiao ◽  
Wei-Wei Wu ◽  
Jing-Jiang Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptome Analysis ◽  
Olfactory System ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Sirex Noctilio ◽  
Odorant Binding Proteins ◽  
Odor Recognition ◽  
Odorant Binding

Abstract Background The olfactory system is the foundation of insect behavior. Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are key components of the insect olfactory system. The woodwasp Sirex noctilio Fabricius is a major quarantine pest worldwide that was first discovered in China in 2013 and mainly harms members of the Pinus genus. S. nitobei Matsumura is a native species in China and is closely related to S. noctilio. To gain insights into the olfactory mechanisms of these two woodwasp species, olfactory genes were identified using antennal transcriptome analysis. We also analyzed the expression profiles of OBPs with RT-qPCR. Results From our transcriptome analysis, 16 OBPs, 7 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 41 odorant receptors (ORs), 8 gustatory receptors (GRs), 13 ionotropic receptors (IRs), and one sensory neuron membrane protein (SNMP) were identified in S. noctilio, while 15 OBPs, 6 CSPs, 43 ORs, 10 GRs, 16 IRs, and 1 SNMP were identified in S. nitobei. Most of the olfactory genes identified in two species were homologous. However, some species-specific olfactory genes were identified in the antennal transcriptomes, including SnocOBP13, SnocCSP6, SnocOR26, SnitGR9, and SnitIR17. In total, 14 OBPs (7 in S. noctilio and 7 in S. nitobei) were expressed primarily in the antennae of the two woodwasps. SnocOBP11 and SnitOBP11 were highly expressed in antennae and were also clearly expressed in the external genitalia. SnocOBP3 is highly expressed in the genitalia of females, and SnocOBP7 and SnitOBP7 are highly expressed in the genitalia of males. Meanwhile, SnocOBP10 was specifically expressed in male heads. Conclusion In total, 86 olfactory proteins were identified in S. noctilio, and 91 were identified in S. nitobei. Most SnocOBPs and SnitOBPs displayed enriched expression in the antennae, which are involved in odor recognition. A few OBPs were mainly expressed in the external genitals or heads and exhibited an obvious sex bias, which may indicate that the external genitals and heads are able to recognize sex pheromones or plant volatile compounds as a part of normal behaviors such as feeding, mating, or spawning. Our study provides key insights regarding the mechanism of interactions between the insect olfactory system and specific odor molecules.

scholarly journals Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Odorant Binding Proteins and Their Interactions with Selected Volatile Organic Compounds: An in Silico Approach

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 814
Author(s):  
Carmen Scieuzo ◽  
Marisa Nardiello ◽  
Donatella Farina ◽  
Andrea Scala ◽  
Jonathan A. Cammack ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Production ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Organic Substrates ◽  
Hermetia Illucens ◽  
Odorant Binding Proteins ◽  
In Silico Docking ◽  
Small Proteins ◽  
Odorant Binding ◽  
Oviposition Sites

The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), has considerable global interest due to its outstanding capacity in bioconverting organic waste to insect biomass, which can be used for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture feed. Mass production of this insect in colonies requires the development of methods concentrating oviposition in specific collection devices, while the mass production of larvae and disposing of waste may require substrates that are more palatable and more attractive to the insects. In insects, chemoreception plays an essential role throughout their life cycle, responding to an array of chemical, biological and environmental signals to locate and select food, mates, oviposition sites and avoid predators. To interpret these signals, insects use an arsenal of molecular components, including small proteins called odorant binding proteins (OBPs). Next generation sequencing was used to identify genes involved in chemoreception during the larval and adult stage of BSF, with particular attention to OBPs. The analysis of the de novo adult and larval transcriptome led to the identification of 27 and 31 OBPs for adults and larvae, respectively. Among these OBPs, 15 were common in larval and adult transcriptomes and the tertiary structures of 8 selected OBPs were modelled. In silico docking of ligands confirms the potential interaction with VOCs of interest. Starting from the information about the growth performance of H. illucens on different organic substrates from the agri-food sector, the present work demonstrates a possible correlation between a pool of selected VOCs, emitted by those substrates that are attractive for H. illucens females when searching for oviposition sites, as well as phagostimulants for larvae. The binding affinities between OBPs and selected ligands calculated by in silico modelling may indicate a correlation among OBPs, VOCs and behavioural preferences that will be the basis for further analysis.

scholarly journals Odorant-Binding Proteins as Sensing Elements for Odour Monitoring

Sensors ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 3248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Pelosi ◽  
Jiao Zhu ◽  
Wolfgang Knoll
Keyword(s):  
Binding Sites ◽  
Olfactory System ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Electronic Devices ◽  
Compact Structure ◽  
Odorant Binding Proteins ◽  
Artificial Nose ◽  
Niemann Pick ◽  
Odorant Binding ◽  
Odour Perception

Odour perception has been the object of fast growing research interest in the last three decades. Parallel to the study of the corresponding biological systems, attempts are being made to model the olfactory system with electronic devices. Such projects range from the fabrication of individual sensors, tuned to specific chemicals of interest, to the design of multipurpose smell detectors using arrays of sensors assembled in a sort of artificial nose. Recently, proteins have attracted increasing interest as sensing elements. In particular, soluble olfaction proteins, including odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) of vertebrates and insects, chemosensory proteins (CSPs) and Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) proteins possess interesting characteristics for their use in sensing devices for odours. In fact, thanks to their compact structure, their soluble nature and small size, they are extremely stable to high temperature, refractory to proteolysis and resistant to organic solvents. Moreover, thanks to the availability of many structures solved both as apo-proteins and in complexes with some ligands, it is feasible to design mutants by replacing residues in the binding sites with the aim of synthesising proteins with better selectivity and improved physical properties, as demonstrated in a number of cases.

scholarly journals Identification and functional characterization of odorant-binding proteins 69a and 76a of Drosophila suzukii

Heliyon ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. e06427
Author(s):  
Haixia Zhan ◽  
Du Li ◽  
Youssef Dewer ◽  
Changying Niu ◽  
Fengqi Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Drosophila Suzukii ◽  
Odorant Binding Proteins ◽  
Odorant Binding

Identification and expression profiles analysis of odorant‐binding proteins in soybean aphid, Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 1019-1030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling Wang ◽  
Ying‐Dong Bi ◽  
Ming Liu ◽  
Wei Li ◽  
Miao Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Soybean Aphid ◽  
Aphis Glycines ◽  
Odorant Binding Proteins ◽  
Odorant Binding
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