Enantiomeric Discrimination in Insects: The Role of OBPs and ORs

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Sims, C., Birkett, M. A. and Withall, D. 2022. Enantiomeric Discrimination in Insects: The Role of OBPs and ORs. Insects. 13 (4), p. 368. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13040368

AuthorsSims, C., Birkett, M. A. and Withall, D.
Abstract

Olfaction is a complex recognition process that is critical for chemical communication in insects. Though some insect species are capable of discrimination between compounds that are structurally similar, little is understood about how this high level of discrimination arises. Some insects rely on discriminating between enantiomers of a compound, demonstrating an ability for highly selective recognition. The role of two major peripheral olfactory proteins in insect olfaction, i.e., odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and odorant receptors (ORs) has been extensively studied. OBPs and ORs have variable discrimination capabilities, with some found to display highly specialized binding capability, whilst others exhibit promiscuous binding activity. A deeper understanding of how odorant-protein interactions induce a response in an insect relies on further analysis such as structural studies. In this review, we explore the potential role of OBPs and ORs in highly specific recognition, specifically enantiomeric discrimination. We summarize the state of research into OBP and OR function and focus on reported examples in the literature of clear enantiomeric discrimination by these proteins.

KeywordsInsect; Enantiomeric discrimination; Odorant-binding proteins; Odorant receptors; Chemosensory; Olfaction; Chemical ecology; Chiral
Year of Publication2022
JournalInsects
Journal citation13 (4), p. 368
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13040368
Web address (URL)https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/13/4/368
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
FunderBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Funder project or codeBBSRC Strategic Programme in Smart Crop Protection
Publisher's version
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online08 Apr 2022
Publication process dates
Accepted30 Mar 2022
PublisherMDPI
ISSN2075-4450

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