Molecular Characterization of Odorant-Binding Protein Genes Associated with Host-Seeking Behavior in Oides leucomelaena

Abstract

The identification of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) involved in host location by Oides leucomelaena (O. leucomelaena Weise, 1922, Coleoptera, Galerucinae) is significant for its biological control. Tools in the NCBI database were used to compare and analyze the transcriptome sequences of O. leucomelaena with OBP and other chemosensory-related proteins of other Coleoptera insects. Subsequently, MEGA7 was utilized for OBP sequence alignment and the construction of a phylogenetic tree, combined with expression profiling to screen for candidate antennae-specific OBPs. In addition, fumigation experiments with star anise volatiles were conducted to assess the antennae specificity of the candidate OBPs. Finally, molecular docking was employed to speculate on the binding potential of antennae-specific OBPs with star anise volatiles. The study identified 42 candidate OBPs, 8 chemosensory proteins and 27 receptors. OleuOBP3, OleuOBP5, and OleuOBP6 were identified as classic OBP family members specific to the antennae, which was confirmed by volatile fumigation experiments. Molecular docking ultimately clarified that OleuOBP3, OleuOBP5, and OleuOBP6 all exhibit a high affinity for β-caryophyllene among the star anise volatiles. We successfully obtained three antennae-specific OBPs from O. leucomelaena and determined their high-affinity volatiles, providing a theoretical basis for the development of attractants in subsequent stages.