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Genes encoding candidate pheromone receptors in a moth (Heliothis virescens)
J Krieger1, E Grosse-Wilde, T Gohl
1Institute of Physiology 230, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
Summary
Researchers identified novel olfactory receptors (HR14-HR16) in male tobacco budworm moths. These receptors are exclusively found in male antennae, suggesting a key role in detecting female pheromones for mating.
Area of Science:
- Insect olfaction
- Molecular biology
- Chemical ecology
Background:
- Male moths exhibit high sensitivity to female-released pheromones.
- The specific olfactory receptors responsible for this pheromone detection remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize candidate olfactory receptors in the tobacco budworm moth, *Heliothis virescens*.
- To investigate the expression patterns of these candidate receptors in male antennae.
Main Methods:
- Genomic sequence analysis and cDNA-library screening were employed to identify olfactory receptor genes.
- Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze gene expression.
- In situ hybridization techniques, including two-color double in situ hybridization, were performed to localize receptor expression within antennal tissues.
Main Results:
- Several cDNAs encoding candidate olfactory receptors were successfully cloned.
- A subset of these receptors exhibited high sequence identity (>40%) and were found to be exclusively expressed in male antennae.
- Male-specific receptors were localized to cells beneath sensilla triochoidea, adjacent to cells expressing pheromone-binding proteins.
Conclusions:
- The identified receptors, particularly Heliothis receptor 14-16 (HR14-HR16), are strong candidates for mediating pheromone detection in male moths.
- These findings provide crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying moth olfactory communication and sexual behavior.