Background Insects utilize a sophisticated olfactory system for host and mate location. This process depends on antennal olfactory proteins that facilitate chemical recognition and subsequent signal transduction. The moth Hyblaea puera is a major polyphagous defoliator, yet its underlying olfactory mechanisms remain poorly understood. To elucidate this process, we profiled the complete antennal transcriptomes of adults of both sexes, identified key chemosensory gene families, and reconstructed phylogenetic trees. The tissue-specific expression profiles of key OBP and OR genes were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Results A repertoire of chemosensory genes was identified through antennal transcriptome analysis of H. puera, comprising 22 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 7 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 46 odorant receptors (ORs), 20 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 9 gustatory receptors (GRs) and 4 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). qPCR-based expression profiling revealed a striking female antennae-biased expression pattern for HpueOBP6, HpueOR2, HpueOR7, HpueOR11, HpueOR12, HpueOR13, HpueOR21, HpueOR29 and HpueOR47. On the other hand, a cluster of genes, including HpueOBP3, HpueOBP10, HpueOBP16, HpueOBP19, HpueOBP20, HpueOBP21, HpueORco, HpueOR5, HpueOR33, HpueOR35 and HpueOR43 were predominantly expressed in male antennae. In addition to its significantly high expression in male antennae, HpueOR43 also showed moderate expression in male legs. Notably, HpueOBP12 showed exclusive and high expression in male abdominal tips, and HpueOBP14 was notably abundant in the legs of both sexes. Conclusion This study identified 108 key chemosensory genes in H. puera. Phylogenetic analysis enabled their classification into distinct chemosensory gene families. Analysis by qPCR also showed a localized expression pattern in specific tissues for important HpueOBPs and HpueORs, suggesting that several may be putatively involved in recognizing sex pheromones and host plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs); however, these inferred roles require functional validation. Together, these results offer a platform for characterizing the functions of these key proteins and for designing novel control measures that disrupt the pest’s olfactory sensing.

Antennal transcriptome analysis and expression profiling of odorant binding proteins and odorant receptors in the teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera (Lepidoptera: Hyblaeidae)

期刊论文
出版模式：

开放获取
发表日期：

2026年7月9日

查看全文

Qi Dong,
Qi Zhang,
Han Li,
Yuxin Chen,
Pengfei Lu

摘要

Background

Insects utilize a sophisticated olfactory system for host and mate location. This process depends on antennal olfactory proteins that facilitate chemical recognition and subsequent signal transduction. The moth Hyblaea puera is a major polyphagous defoliator, yet its underlying olfactory mechanisms remain poorly understood. To elucidate this process, we profiled the complete antennal transcriptomes of adults of both sexes, identified key chemosensory gene families, and reconstructed phylogenetic trees. The tissue-specific expression profiles of key OBP and OR genes were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR).

Results

A repertoire of chemosensory genes was identified through antennal transcriptome analysis of H. puera, comprising 22 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 7 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 46 odorant receptors (ORs), 20 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 9 gustatory receptors (GRs) and 4 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). qPCR-based expression profiling revealed a striking female antennae-biased expression pattern for HpueOBP6, HpueOR2, HpueOR7, HpueOR11, HpueOR12, HpueOR13, HpueOR21, HpueOR29 and HpueOR47. On the other hand, a cluster of genes, including HpueOBP3, HpueOBP10, HpueOBP16, HpueOBP19, HpueOBP20, HpueOBP21, HpueORco, HpueOR5, HpueOR33, HpueOR35 and HpueOR43 were predominantly expressed in male antennae. In addition to its significantly high expression in male antennae, HpueOR43 also showed moderate expression in male legs. Notably, HpueOBP12 showed exclusive and high expression in male abdominal tips, and HpueOBP14 was notably abundant in the legs of both sexes.

Conclusion

This study identified 108 key chemosensory genes in H. puera. Phylogenetic analysis enabled their classification into distinct chemosensory gene families. Analysis by qPCR also showed a localized expression pattern in specific tissues for important HpueOBPs and HpueORs, suggesting that several may be putatively involved in recognizing sex pheromones and host plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs); however, these inferred roles require functional validation. Together, these results offer a platform for characterizing the functions of these key proteins and for designing novel control measures that disrupt the pest’s olfactory sensing.