Candidate genes coding for odorant binding proteins and chemosensory proteins identified from dissected antennae and mouthparts of the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula

In this study, we identified candidate genes encoding putative OBPs and CSPs in N. viridula by generating transcriptomes from dissected antennae and mouthparts. In total, 58 unigenes were identified coding for OBPs (45 Classic OBPs, nine Plus-C OBPs and four Minus-C OBPs) and 24 unigenes coding for CSPs. Expression profiles of OBP- and CSP -encoding genes were compared between antennae and mouthparts based on FKPM values. Candidates for antenna-predominant OBPs and CSPs were selected for real-time quantitative PCR analyses. Analyses of tissue expression profiles revealed that 26 OBP-encoding genes, and four CSP genes were primarily expressed in antennae, suggesting their putative roles in perception of volatiles. The sex-biased expression patterns of these antenna-predominant genes suggested that they may have important functions in reproduction of the insect. This is a systematic analysis on OBPs and CSPs in a stink bug, providing a comprehensive resource for future functional studies not only for N. viridula, but also for other stink bugs as well.Graphical abstract
Source: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part D: Genomics and Proteomics - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research