Tiantao Zhang | Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (original) (raw)

Papers by Tiantao Zhang

Agriculture

The evolution of target pest population resistance to Bt toxins is the most relevant threat to th... more The evolution of target pest population resistance to Bt toxins is the most relevant threat to the sustainability of Bt technology, thus it is necessary to clarify insect resistance mechanisms. Firstly, the resistance level of Asian corn borer was determined by bioassay. After 28 generations selection in the lab, the Cry1Ie-resistant strain (ACB-IeR) developed more than 862-fold resistance to Cry1Ie, and the Cry1F-resistant strain (ACB-FR) developed 961-fold resistance to Cry1F. The results show that long-term exposure to Bt toxins can lead to resistance. Then, we compared the differential expression genes (DEGs) of ACB-FR and ACB-IeR with susceptible strain (ACB-BtS), and analyzed GO function and KEGG pathway through transcriptome sequencing. The comparison showed that in Bt-resistant strains, many genes have a significant down-regulated trend. Several Bt-resistance candidate genes were differentially expressed in both resistant strains. Furthermore, the DEGs were verified by RT-qP...

Toxins, 2022

Ostrinia furnacalis is an important borer on maize. Long-term and large-scale planting of transge... more Ostrinia furnacalis is an important borer on maize. Long-term and large-scale planting of transgenic corn has led O. furnacalis evolving resistance and reducing the control effect. Recently, high levels of resistance to Bt Cry1 toxins have been reported to be genetically linked to the mutation or down-regulation of ABC transporter subfamily G gene ABCG4 in O. furnacalis. In order to further determine the relationship between ABCG4 gene and the resistance to Cry1 toxins in O. furnacalis, the novel CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering system was utilized to successfully construct ABCG4-KO knockout homozygous strain. Bioassay results indicated that an ABCG4-KO strain had a higher resistance to Cry1 proteins compared with a susceptible strain (ACB-BtS). The result indicates that the ABCG4 gene may act as a receptor of the Bt Cry1 toxin in O. furnacalis. Furthermore, the development time was significantly changed in the early stage ABCG4-KO larvae, and the population parameters were also signi...

Journal of entomology and zoology studies, 2019

Niemann Pick type C2 (NPC2) proteins were identified as olfactory related genes such as odorant c... more Niemann Pick type C2 (NPC2) proteins were identified as olfactory related genes such as odorant carriers in arthropods. NPC2 in Macrocentrus cingulum’s functional characteristics are similar to odorant binding proteins. Recently, we identified NPC2 protein in Macrocentrus cingulum (namely McinNPC2) as a Genbank accession number MK089532.1 at National Center for Biotechnology Information. Comparative evolutionary relationship and primary structures between NPC2 and olfactory proteins such as odorant binding proteins, general odorant binding proteins, pheromone binding proteins (OBPs, GOBPs, PBPs respectively) were performed. Evolutionary relationship results between NPC2 in Ceratosolen solmsi marchali (CsolNPC2) and OBP in Microplitis mediator (MmedOBP), NPC2 in Trachymyrmex septentrionalis (TsepNPC2) and GOBP in Polistes Canadensis (PcanGOBP), NPC2 in Dufourea novaeangliae (DnovNPC2) and PBP in Apis cerana (AcerPBP) were clustered forming one clade as a nearest phylogeny. The identi...

Journal of Economic Entomology, 2021

Selecting the candidate agents or species is a fundamental step in developing effective biologica... more Selecting the candidate agents or species is a fundamental step in developing effective biological control programs. However, no attempts have been made to evaluate the efficacy of Trichogramma Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) strains against the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Myanmar. In this study, Trichogramma strains were investigated through a series of glass tube bioassays and under a semifield condition. Ostrinia furnacalis or Corcyra cephalonica egg preferences were compared among six strains of Trichogramma ostriniae, three of Trichogramma chilonis, and four of Trichogramma dendrolimi using a choice-test assay design. Significant differences were observed at the inter- and intraspecific levels. Four strains of T. ostriniae and two of T. dendrolimi showed a strong preference for O. furnacalis eggs, while two strains of T. chilonis and one T. dendrolimi strain preferred Corcyra cephalonica Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eg...

Journal of Agricultural Science, 2020

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphggous... more The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphggous and widespread insect pest. In the study, the biological characteristics and nutritional indices of S. frugiperda fed on six crops, namely corn, sorghum, wheat, soybean, peanut, and cotton, were investigated under laboratory conditions. These crops are cultivated mainly in the mid-high latitude of China. Results showed that S. frugiperda was able to develop and reproduce on all six tested plants. Larvae reared on corn exhibited a significant shorter larval and pupal duration, higher pupal weight, and higher fecundity, which were 16.2 d, 8.9 d, 0.248 g, and 979.4 eggs per female, respectively. The host plant significantly affected relative growth, consumption, and metabolic rates, as well as other nutritional indices. Biology and nutritional indexes suggested that corn was the most suitable host. Besides, peanut, sorghum, and wheat have also been shown to be the suitable hosts for S. fru...

Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 2019

Bacillus thuringiensis produces insecticidal Cry toxins used in the control of multiple insect pe... more Bacillus thuringiensis produces insecticidal Cry toxins used in the control of multiple insect pests. Evolution of insect resistance to Bt toxins endangers the use of Cry toxins for pest control. Analysis of the Cry1Ah-binding proteins from brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) of Ostrinia furnacalis, Asian corn borer (ACB) from the Cry1Ah-resistant (ACB-AhR) and susceptible (ACB-BtS) strains was performed by an improved pull down assay that includes coupling Cry1Ah to NHS-activated Sepharose combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Our data show that Cry1Ah bound to alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cadherin-like (CAD), actin, aminopeptidase-N (APN), prophenoloxidase (proPO), serine proteinase inhibitor (SPI), immulectin, and V-ATPase and to other proteins that were not previously characterized as Cry-binding proteins in ACB-BtS strain. Analysis of Cry1Ah-pulled down proteins of the BBMV from ACB-AhR revealed that Cry1Ah toxin did not bind to ALP in ACB-AhR strain, suggesting that this protein may correlate with the resistant phenotype of this strain. Additionally, we analyzed the expression of representative genes coding for Cry1Ahbinding proteins such as ALP, APN, CAD, proPO, SPI, and immulectin by qRT-PCR. ACB-AhR showed increased expression levels of proPO (7.5 fold), ALP (6.2 fold) and APN (1.4 fold) in comparison to ACB-BtS strain. In contrast, the cad gene showed slight decreased expression in ACB-AhR strain (0.7 fold) compared with ACB-BtS strain. Our data suggest that differences in the susceptibility to Cry1Ah toxin in the ACB-AhR strain may be associated with reduced ALP binding sites and with an increased immune response. This study also brings evidence of a possible binding interaction of Cry1Ah toxin to immune related proteins like proPO.

Transgenic Research, 2016

Non-lepidopteran pests are exposed to, and may be influenced by, Bt toxins when feeding on Bt mai... more Non-lepidopteran pests are exposed to, and may be influenced by, Bt toxins when feeding on Bt maize that express insecticidal Cry proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). In order to assess the potential effects of transgenic cry1Ie maize on nonlepidopteran pest species and ecological communities, a 2-year field study was conducted to compare the nonlepidopteran pest abundance, diversity and community composition between transgenic cry1Ie maize (Event IE09S034, Bt maize) and its near isoline (Zong 31, non-Bt maize) by whole plant inspections. Results showed that Bt maize had no effects on non-lepidopteran pest abundance and diversity (Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpson's diversity index, species richness, and Pielou's index). There was a significant effect of year and sampling time on those indices analyzed. Redundancy analysis indicated maize type, sampling time and year totally explained 20.43 % of the variance in the non-lepidopteran pest community composition, but no association was presented between maize type (Bt maize and non-Bt maize) and the variance. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis showed that sampling time and year, rather than maize type had close relationship with the non-lepidopteran pest community composition. These results corroborated the hypothesis that, at least in the short-term, the transgenic cry1Ie maize had negligible effects on the non-lepidopteran pest abundance, diversity and community composition.

Frontiers in Physiology, 2017

The soluble carrier proteins, OBPs carry odor components through sensilium lymph to specific rece... more The soluble carrier proteins, OBPs carry odor components through sensilium lymph to specific receptors within the antennal sensilla to trigger behavioral responses. Herein, McinOBP4 was characterized from the Macrocentrus cingulum, which is the specialist parasitic insect of Ostrinia furnacalis for better understanding of olfactory recognition mechanism of this wasp. The classical odorant binding protein McinOBP4 showed good binding affinity to corn green leaf volatiles. RT-qPCR results showed that the McinOBP4 was primarily expressed in male and female wasp antennae, with transcripts levels differing by sex. Fluorescence assays indicate that, McinOBP4 binds corn green leaf volatiles including terpenoides and aliphatic alcohols as well as aldehydes with good affinity. We have also conducted series of binding assay with first mutant (M1), which lacked the last 8 residues and a second mutant (M2), with Met119 replaced by Leucine (Leu119). In the acidic conditions, affinity N-phenylnaphthylamine (1-NPN) to McinOBP4 and M1 were substantially decreased, but increase in basic condition with no significant differences. The lack of C-terminus showed reduced affinity to terpenoides and aliphatic alcohols as well as aldehydes compounds of corn odorants. The mutant M2 with Met119 showed significant reduction in binding affinity to tested odorants, it indicating that Met119 forming hydrophobic chain with the odorants functional group to binding. This finding provides detailed insight of chemosensory function of McinOBP4 in M. cingulum and help to develop low release agents that attract of this wasp to improve ecologically-friendly pest management strategy.

BMC Molecular Biology, 2017

Background: Pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) of male Lepidoptera function in chemical communicat... more Background: Pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) of male Lepidoptera function in chemical communication, mate attraction and recognition. Directional selection was previously predicted between PBP3 orthologs of Ostrinia furnacalis and Ostrinia nubilalis were interpreted as being involved in sexual isolation. Results: In vitro assays show that recombinant male OfurPBP3 bound O. furnacalis sex pheromones, Z-12-tetradecenyl acetate (Z12-14:OAc) and E-12-tetradecenyl acetate (E12-14:OAc), as well as to ECB pheromones Z11-and E11-14:OAc. Recombinant OfurPBP4 and OfurPBP5 bound E11-and Z11-14:OAc with greater affinity compared to Z12-and E12-14:OAc, and OfurPBP4 incapable of binding with E12-14:OAc. In silico molecular docking predicted OfurPBP3 residues Phe12, Ile52, Leu94, Ile113 within a hydrophobic ligand-binding pocket and may participate in E12-and Z12-14:OAc binding. Independent site-directed mutagenesis experiments demonstrated that Ser12, Asn52, Arg94, and Asn113 residues variants caused an approximately 1.7-to 4.6-fold reduction in OfurPBP3 affinity for Z12-and E12-14:OAc, and a 2.7-to 8.4-fold decrease in affinity towards E11-and Z11-14:OAc. Conclusions: Five PBPs of O. furnacalis play important functions in Ostrinia pheromones binding. These four amino acids may play a role in binding of sex pheromone, but this study does not address questions regarding specific response between males of O. furnacalis and O. nubilalis. Additional studies are required determine the role, if any, PBPs play in the evolution of sex pheromone communication.

International Journal of Biological Sciences, 2017

The Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a highly destructive... more The Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a highly destructive pest of cultivated maize throughout East Asia. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystalline protein (Cry) toxins cause mortality by a mechanism involving pore formation or signal transduction following toxin binding to receptors along the midgut lumen of susceptible insects, but this mechanism and mutations therein that lead to resistance are not fully understood. In the current study, quantitative comparisons were made among midgut expressed transcripts from O. furnacalis susceptible (ACB-BtS) and laboratory selected strains resistant to Cry1Ab (ACB-AbR) and Cry1Ac toxins (ACB-AcR) when feeding on non-Bt diet. From a combined de novo transcriptome assembly of 83,370 transcripts, ORFs of ≥ 100 amino acids were predicted and annotated for 28,940 unique isoforms derived from 12,288 transcripts. Transcriptome-wide expression estimated from RNA-seq read depths predicted significant down-regulation of transcripts for previously known Bt resistance genes, aminopeptidase N1 (apn1) and apn3, as well as a putative ATP binding cassette transporter group G (abcg) gene in both ACB-AbR and-AcR (log2[fold-change] ≥ 1.36; P < 0.0001). The transcripts that were most highly differentially regulated in both ACB-AbR and-AcR compared to ACB-BtS (log2[fold-change] ≥ 2.0; P < 0.0001) included up-and down-regulation of serine proteases, storage proteins and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, as well as up-regulation of genes with predicted transport function. This study predicted the significant down-regulation of transcripts for previously known Bt resistance genes, aminopeptidase N1 (apn1) and apn3, as well as abccg gene in both ACB-AbR and-AcR. These data are important for the understanding of systemic differences between Bt resistant and susceptible genotypes.

Journal of Economic Entomology, 2017

Plants damaged by herbivorous insects often respond by mounting a series of defense responses tha... more Plants damaged by herbivorous insects often respond by mounting a series of defense responses that can inhibit the insect's fitness. Ostrinia furnacalis (Guené e) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a major insect pest in maize throughout much of Asia, Australia, and the western Pacific islands. We examined the effects of O. furnacalis-induced maize defenses on O. furnacalis fitness, and explained the effects from biochemical changes that occur in maize leaves in response to O. furnacalis feeding. The results of the age-stage, two-sex life table showed that significantly longer larval and pupal life spans, and total preoviposition period (TPOP) occurred. A decrease in the longevity and fecundity of female adults was observed in O. furnacalis fed on O. furnacalis-damaged leaves. The mean generation time (T), finite rate of increase (k), net reproductive rate (R 0), and intrinsic rate of increase (r) were also correspondingly affected. Biochemical assays indicated that 24 h of O. furnacalis herbivory resulted in decreased levels of the benzoxazinoids, 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), and 2-(2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one)-b-D-glucopyranose (DIMBOA-Glc), and a corresponding increase in 2-(2-hydroxy-4,7-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one)b-D-glucopyranose (HDMBOA-Glc). Maize also exhibited higher activities of the defensive enzymes-peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO)-after 24 h of herbivory. We concluded that exposure to O. furnacalis-damaged leaves had an inhibitory impact on the fitness of the neonate to pupa stages of O. furnacalis. The observed higher level of HDMBOA-Glc and higher enzymatic activities of POD, SOD, CAT, and PPO may account, in part, for the observed inhibitory effects on O. furnacalis fitness.

PloS one, 2016

A Bt corn hybrid (AcIe) with two Bt genes (cry1Ie and cry1Ac) was derived by breeding stack from ... more A Bt corn hybrid (AcIe) with two Bt genes (cry1Ie and cry1Ac) was derived by breeding stack from line expressing Cry1Ie and a line expressing Cry1Ac. Efficacy of this pyramided Bt corn hybrid against the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis, was evaluated. We conducted laboratory bioassays using susceptible and resistant ACB strains fed on artificial diet or fresh plant tissues. We also conducted field trials with artificial infestations of ACB neonates at the V6 and silk stages. The toxin-diet bioassay data indicated that mixtures of Cry1Ac and Cry1Ie proteins had synergistic insecticidal efficacy. The plant tissue bioassay data indicated that Bt corn hybrids expressing either a single toxin (Cry1Ac or Cry1Ie) or two toxins had high efficacy against susceptible ACB. Damage ratings in the field trials indicated that the Bt corn hybrids could effectively protect against 1st and the 2nd generation ACB in China. The hybrid line with two Bt genes showed a higher efficacy against ...

Scientific reports, Jan 26, 2016

Possible non-target effect of transgenic cry1Ie maize exerts on natural enemy community biodivers... more Possible non-target effect of transgenic cry1Ie maize exerts on natural enemy community biodiversity in the field is unresolved. In the present study, a 2-yr comparison of transgenic cry1Ie maize (Event IE09S034, Bt maize) and its near isoline (Zong 31, non-Bt maize) on natural enemy community biodiversity were compared with whole plant inspections, pitfall traps and suction sampler. Natural enemy diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener', Simpson's and Pielou's index) and abundance suggested there were no significant differences between the two types of maize. The only exceptions were the Pielou's index for whole plant inspections in 2013 and abundance for pitfall traps in 2012, which were significantly higher in Bt maize than those of non-Bt maize. The main species of natural enemies were identical in Bt and non-Bt maize plots for each method and the three methods combined. For whole plant inspections, Bt maize had no time-dependent effect on the entire arthropod natural ...

PLOS ONE, 2015

The Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), is a destructive pest insect of cultiva... more The Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), is a destructive pest insect of cultivated corn crops, for which antennal-expressed receptors are important to detect olfactory cues for mate attraction and oviposition. Few olfactory related genes were reported in ACB, so we sequenced and characterized the transcriptome of male and female O. furnacalis antennae. Non-normalized male and female O. furnacalis antennal cDNA libraries were sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq 2000 and assembled into a reference transcriptome. Functional gene annotations identified putative olfactory-related genes; 56 odorant receptors (ORs), 23 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), and 10 CSPs. RNA-seq estimates of gene expression respectively showed up-and down-regulation of 79 and 30 genes in female compared to male antennae, which included up-regulation of 8 ORs and 1 PBP gene in male antennae as well as 3 ORs in female antennae. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses validated strong male antennal-biased expression of OfurOR3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13 and 14 transcripts, whereas OfurOR17 and 18 were specially expressed in female antennae. Sexbiases gene expression described here provides important insight in gene functionalization, and provides candidate genes putatively involved in environmental perception, host plant attraction, and mate recognition.

PLoS ONE, 2014

Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) play a central role in transporting odorant molecules from the se... more Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) play a central role in transporting odorant molecules from the sensillum lymph to olfactory receptors to initiate behavioral responses. In this study, the OBP of Macrocentrus cingulum McinOBP1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by Ni ion affinity chromatography. Real-time PCR experiments indicate that the McinOBP1 is expressed mainly in adult antennae, with expression levels differing by sex. Ligand-binding experiments using N-phenylnaphthylamine (1-NPN) as a fluorescent probe demonstrated that the McinOBP1 can bind green-leaf volatiles, including aldehydes and terpenoids, but also can bind aliphatic alcohols with good affinity, in the order trans-2-nonenal.cis-3-hexen-1-ol.trans-caryophelle, suggesting a role of McinOBP1 in general odorant chemoreception. We chose those three odorants for further homology modeling and ligand docking based on their binding affinity. The Val58, Leu62 and Glu130 are the key amino acids in the binding pockets that bind with these three odorants. The three mutants, Val58, Leu62 and Glu130, where the valine, leucine and glutamic residues were replaced by alanine, proline and alanine, respectively; showed reduced affinity to these odorants. This information suggests, Val58, Leu62 and Glu130 are involved in the binding of these compounds, possibly through the specific recognition of ligands that forms hydrogen bonds with the ligands functional groups.

Toxins, Jan 11, 2014

Two colonies of Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), artificially selected from a Bt-s... more Two colonies of Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), artificially selected from a Bt-susceptible colony (ACB-BtS) for resistance to Cry1Ab (ACB-AbR) and Cry1Ac (ACB-AcR) toxins, were used to analyze inheritance patterns of resistance to Cry1 toxins. ACB-AbR and ACB-AcR evolved significant levels of resistance, with resistance ratios (RR) of 39-fold and 78.8-fold to Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac, respectively. The susceptibility of ACB-AbR larvae to Cry1Ac and Cry1F toxins, which had not previously been exposed, were significantly reduced, being >113-fold and 48-fold, respectively. Similarly, susceptibility of ACB-AcR larvae to Cry1Ab and Cry1F were also significantly reduced (RR > nine-fold, RR > 18-fold, respectively), indicating cross-resistance among Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, and Cry1F toxins. However, ACB-AbR and ACB-AcR larvae were equally susceptible to Cry1Ie as were ACB-BtS larvae, indicating no cross-resistance between Cry1Ie and Cry1Ab or Cry1Ac toxins; this may provide cons...

Journal of Insect Physiology, 2012

Three pheromone-binding proteins of Helicoverpa armigera were cloned and expressed in Escherichia... more Three pheromone-binding proteins of Helicoverpa armigera were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. In order to characterize their physiological properties, ligand-binding experiments were performed using five biologically relevant substances including sex pheromones and interspecific signals. The results showed that one of the pheromone-binding proteins, HarmPBP1, binds strongly to each of the two principal pheromone components of H. armigera, (Z)-11-tetradecenal and (Z)-9-hexadecenal, but not to the interspecific signal (Z)-9-tetracecenal. The two remaining pheromone-binding proteins, HarmPBP2 and HarmPBP3, showed only weak affinities with the ligands tested. The 3-D structure of HarmPBP1 was predicted and the docking experiments indicate that the key binding site of (Z)-9-hexadecenal to HarmPBP1 includes Thr112, Lys111, and Phe119 whereas that of (Z)-11-tetradecenal includes Ser9, Trp37, Phe36, and Phe119.

Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, 2013

Parasitoid wasps from the insect order Hymenoptera can be deployed successfully as biological con... more Parasitoid wasps from the insect order Hymenoptera can be deployed successfully as biological control agents for a number of pests, and have previously been introduced for the control of corn pest insect species from the Lepidopteran genus Ostrinia. Organs on the ovipositor of parasitoid wasps have mechanical and tactile senses that coordinate the complex movements of egg laying, and the ovipositor of Hymenopteran insects have evolved associated venom glands as part of their stinging defense. The ovipositor of parasitic wasps has evolved an additional function as a piercing organ that is required for the deposition of eggs within suitable host larvae. The morphology and ultrastructure of sense organs on the ovipositor and sheath of Macrocentrus cingulum Brischke (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are described using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Three types of sensilla trichodea were shown to be abundant on the outer sheath of the ovipositor, with types II and III being most distal, and the inner surface of the ovipositor covered with microtrichia, more densely near the apex. Sensilla coeloconica are distributed on both ventral and dorsal valves, while campaniform sensilla and secretory pores are only located on the dorsal valve. The olistheter-like interlocking mechanism, as well as the morphology of the ventral and dorsal valve tips and the ventral valve seal may be important in stinging, oviposition and in the host selection process.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2011

Two high-quality cDNA libraries were constructed from female and male antennae of the cotton boll... more Two high-quality cDNA libraries were constructed from female and male antennae of the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). The titers were approximately 2.0 × 10⁶ pfu/ml for females and 2.3 × 10⁶ pfu/ml for males, and this complies with the test requirement. From the libraries, 1750 male ESTs and 1640 female ESTs were sequenced and further analyzed. We identified 15 olfactory genes (12 are new), and 14 of them have the characteristic six conserved cysteine residues. With the exception of OBP9, all the genes were classified as classical OBP genes. By alignment and cluster analysis, the 14 classical OBPs were divided into pheromone binding protein (PBP) genes, odorant binding protein (OBP) genes, general odorant binding protein 1 (GOBP1) genes, general odorant binding protein 2 (GOBP2) genes and antennae binding protein (ABP) genes. Among these genes, we obtained three PBP genes (PBP1-PBP3) including two new PBP genes, one new ABP gene, nine new OBP genes (OBP1-OBP9), one known GOBP1 gene and one known GOBP2 gene. Furthermore, the expression patterns of these 14 classical OBP genes were investigated in various tissues by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results indicated that some OBP genes are expressed differently in different sexes and tissues, but most of them are highly expressed in antennae.

Scientific reports, Jan 19, 2016

Insects are extremely successful animals whose odor perception is very prominent due to their sop... more Insects are extremely successful animals whose odor perception is very prominent due to their sophisticated olfactory system. The main chemosensory organ, antennae play a critical role in detecting odor in ambient environment before initiating appropriate behavioral responses. The antennal chemosensory receptor genes families have been suggested to be involved in olfactory signal transduction pathway as a sensory neuron response. The Macrocentrus cingulum is deployed successfully as a biological control agent for corn pest insects from the Lepidopteran genus Ostrinia. In this research, we assembled antennal transcriptomes of M. cingulum by using next generation sequencing to identify the major chemosensory receptors gene families. In total, 112 olfactory receptors candidates (79 odorant receptors, 20 gustatory receptors, and 13 ionotropic receptors) have been identified from the male and female antennal transcriptome. The sequences of all of these transcripts were confirmed by RT-PC...