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Olfaction in Drosophila: Coding, genetics and e-genetics
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 02:51 authored by Coral WarrCoral Warr, Clyne, P, De Bruyne, M, Kim, J, Carlson, JROdor coding in Drosophila is examined at both the cellular and molecular levels. Functional analysis of individual olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) by single-unit electrophysiology has shown that ORNs divide into discrete classes, with each class exhibiting a characteristic odor response spectrum. Extensive analysis of ORNs in the maxillary palp has revealed six such classes, which are combined in sensilla according to a strict pairing rule. In order to identify the odor receptor genes that determine the odor specificity of these ORN classes, a new algorithm was designed to search DNA databases for proteins with a particular structure, as opposed to a particular sequence. The algorithm identified a large family of genes likely to encode odor receptors. The acj6 gene, originally identified in a screen for mutants defective in olfactory behavior, encodes a transcription factor that regulates a subset of these receptor genes, and is likely to play a critical role in the process by which ORNs select which receptors to express.
History
Publication title
Chemical SensesVolume
26Pagination
201-206ISSN
0379-864XDepartment/School
Tasmanian School of MedicinePublisher
Oxford Univ PressPlace of publication
Great Clarendon St, Oxford, England, Ox2 6DpRepository Status
- Restricted