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Updated: May 5, 2026
Localization of Odorant Receptor Genes in Locust Antennae by RNA In Situ Hybridization
Published on: July 13, 2017
Molecular characterization and expression profiles of olfactory receptor genes in the parasitic wasp, Microplitis
Long Ma1, Shao-Hua Gu2, Ze-Wen Liu3
1State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Management of Crop Diseases and Pest Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
Abstract:
Olfactory receptors (OR) are believed to fulfil an indispensable role in insects host-seeking, mating and ovipositing. We obtained 4785 high-quality expressed sequencing tags (EST) from the antennal cDNA library of the parasitic wasp Microplitis mediator, a natural enemy of crop pests. After assembling, 786 contigs and 2130 singletons were generated. Using BLAST searches, a number of olfactory-related genes were identified, including ESTs encoding for 25 ORs. 14 full-length OR genes were cloned and their expression profiles in the wasp olfactory organs were quantified by real-time qRT-PCR. The results indicated a diverse distribution between the tissues and genders, yet the majority of OR genes are highly expressed in antennae. Three OR genes (Or2, Or12 and Or13) are highly expressed in female antennae, eight OR genes (ORco, Or3, Or4, Or5, Or7, Or8, Or9 and Or11) are highly expressed in male antennae. This is the first report on tissue-specific expression of wasp OR genes. Our study provides a foundational knowledge to explore and understand the molecular basis of odorant reception in this parasitic wasp and for the study of trophic interactions of natural enemy.
