Characterization and Functional Analysis of OcomOBP7 in Ophraella communa Lesage.

The olfactory system plays a key role in various insect behaviors, and odorant-binding proteins participate in the first step of the olfactory process. Lesage is an oligophagous phytophagous insect that is a specific biological control agent for L. The leaf beetle must identify and locate through olfaction; however, its odorant-binding protein (OBP) function has not yet been reported. In this study, was cloned, and its tissue expression profile and binding ability were analyzed using RT-qPCR and fluorescence binding assays, respectively. Sequence analysis demonstrated that belongs to the classical OBP family. The RT-qPCR results showed that was specifically expressed in the antennae, indicating that may be involved in chemical communication. The fluorescence binding assay showed that has an extensive binding ability to alkenes. The electroantennography experiments showed that antennal response to α-pinene and ocimene decreased significantly after interference because the two odors specifically bound to . In summary, α-pinene and ocimene are odorant ligands corresponding to , indicating that is involved in the chemical recognition of Our study lays a theoretical foundation for research into attractants, which is helpful for the better biological control of by .