Journal of Insect Science (2003) 3 (36), p. 12 (Newcomb et al.)

Richard D. Newcomb, Tamara M. Sirey, Melissa Jordan, Sean D.J. Marshall, Clinton Turner and David R. Greenwood (2003)
Functional genomics of genes involved in odorant reception from the tortricid moth, Epiphyas postvittana
Journal of Insect Science 3 (36), 12-12
Sixth International Workshop on the Molecular Biology and Genetics of the Lepidoptera, August 25-30, 2003, Kolympari, Crete
Abstract: Olfaction is the most important sense for insects especially moths. Chemoreception is used to locate a mate (sex pheromones), find sources of food and identify sites on which to oviposit. How moths detect the compounds characteristic for these different sites has become a key question; particularly how such high levels of specificity and amplification are encoded in the reception system. We are studying the elements that make up the peripheral part of the odorant signal transduction system in the tortricid horticultural pest, Epiphyas postvittana (light brown apple moth). Using both simple genomic (EST) and proteomic approaches we are isolating genes and proteins from antennal tissues that are likely to be involved in the odorant reception process. Sequences from EST sequencing and from subtracted cDNA libraries have been collected from antennal tissues. 2D-gel electrophoresis is also being used to identify proteins that are more abundantly expressed in male antennae in the hope that these may be involved in pheromone reception. A comprehensive bioinformatics system has been used to analyse these data. Mining of this resource has identified many genes that are likely to be involved in the process including odorant binding proteins, odorant receptors, ion channels and hydrolytic enzymes. Functional genomics tools are being developed to assess function including RNAi, in situ hybridisation and over-expression systems. To date the most detailed functional studies have been conducted on one of the Pheromone Binding Protein genes (EposPBP1). In situ hybridisation studies have located the sites of expression of Pheromone Binding Protein 1 to two rings per antennal segment coinciding with the bands of trichoid sensilla around the male antennae. Radio-labeling studies with recombinant protein have demonstrated EposPBP1 binds the major component of the pheromone blend (E11-14:OAc). The protein has been compared across 14 species of native tortricid moths that use pheromones that differ in length and double bond position have. This analysis has revealed amino acid sites likely to be under selection that may be involved in selectivity.
Database assignments for author(s): Richard D. Newcomb, Sean D.G. Marshall

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps
molecular biology - genes

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Epiphyas postvittana