The novel function of an orphan pheromone receptor reveals the sensory specializations of two potential distinct types of sex pheromones in noctuid moth

• DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05303-2
• Publication Date: 2024-06-15T08:02:37Z
• Authors: Chenrui Wang; Song Cao; Chen Shi; Mengbo Guo; Dongdong Sun; Zheyi Liu; Peng Xiu; Yong Wang; Guirong Wang; Yang Liu
• Keywords: Male; 0301 basic medicine; Moths; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Receptors, Pheromone; Molecular Docking Simulation; Sexual Behavior, Animal; 03 medical and health sciences; Animals; Insect Proteins; Original Article; Female; Amino Acid Sequence; Sex Attractants; Phylogeny

Sex pheromones play crucial role in mating behavior of moths, involving intricate recognition mechanisms. While insect chemical biology has extensively studied type I pheromones, II remain largely unexplored. This study focused on Helicoverpa armigera, a representative species noctuid moth, aiming to reassess its sex pheromone composition. Our research unveiled two previously unidentified candidate pheromones-3Z,6Z,9Z-21:H and 3Z,6Z,9Z-23:H-in H. armigera. Furthermore, we identified HarmOR11 as an orphan receptor 3Z,6Z,9Z-21:H. Through AlphaFold2 structural prediction, molecular docking, dynamics simulations, elucidated the basis key residues governing sensory nuances both receptors, particularly HarmOR13. not only reveals presence but also establishes comprehensive framework for PRs, contributing understanding connections between evolutionary adaptations emergence new types.