Identification and preliminary characterization of chemosensory perception-associated proteins in the melon fly Bactrocera cucurbitae using RNA-seq

• DOI: 10.1038/srep19112
• Publication Date: 2016-01-11T10:16:18Z
• Authors: Samia Elfekih; Chien-Yu Chen; Ju-Chun Hsu; Mahdi Belcaid; David Haymer
• Keywords: Bactrocera; Melon; RNA-Seq

Abstract An investigation into proteins involved in chemosensory perception the melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) is described here using a newly generated transcriptome dataset. The fly major agricultural pest, widely distributed Asia-Pacific region and some parts of Africa. For this study, dataset was RNA extracted from 4-day-old adult specimens fly. assembled annotated via Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. Based on similarity searches to data other species, number protein sequences putatively reception were identified characterized This included highly conserved “ Orco ” along with less odorant binding sequences. In addition, several representing putative ionotropic gustatory receptors also identified. study provides foundation for future functional studies making more detailed comparisons species. long term, will ultimately help development improved tools pest management.