Selectivity of Odorant Receptors in Insects
Abstract
Insect olfactory receptors (ORs) detect chemicals, shape neuronal physiology, and regulate behavior. Although ORs have been categorized as generalists and specialists based on their ligand spectrum, both electrophysiological studies and recent pharmacological investigations show that ORs specifically recognize non-pheromonal compounds, and that our understanding of odorant-selectivity mirrors our knowledge of insect chemical ecology. As we are progressively becoming aware that ORs are activated through a variety of mechanisms, the molecular basis of odorant-selectivity and the corollary notion of broad-tuning need to be re-examined from a pharmacological and evolutionary perspective.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 13, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA564867
Entities
People
- Jonathan D. Bohbot
- Joseph C. Dickens
Organizations
- Agricultural Research Service