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Functional and molecular evolution of olfactory neurons and receptors for aliphatic esters across the Drosophila genus

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 02:42 authored by de Bruyne, M, Smart, R, Zammit, E, Coral WarrCoral Warr
Insect olfactory receptor (Or) genes are large, rapidly evolving gene families of considerable interest for evolutionary studies. They determine the responses of sensory neurons which mediate critical behaviours and ecological adaptations. We investigated the evolution across the genus Drosophila of a subfamily of Or genes largely responsible for the perception of ecologically relevant aliphatic esters; products of yeast fermentation and fruits. Odour responses were recorded from eight classes of olfactory receptor neurons known to express this Or subfamily in D. melanogaster and from homologous sensilla in seven other species. Despite the fact that these species have diverged over an estimated 40 million years, we find that odour specificity is largely maintained in seven of the eight species. In contrast, we observe extensive changes in most neurons of the outgroup species D. virilis, and in two neurons across the entire genus. Some neurons show small shifts in specificity, whilst some dramatic changes correlate with gene duplication or loss. An olfactory receptor neuron response similarity tree did not match an Or sequence similarity tree, but by aligning Or proteins of likely functional equivalence we identify residues that may be relevant for odour specificity. This will inform future structure-function studies of Drosophila Ors.

History

Publication title

Journal of Comparative Physiology A

Volume

196

Pagination

97-109

ISSN

0340-7594

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

Springer-Verlag

Place of publication

175 Fifth Ave, New York, USA, Ny, 10010

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences