Identification of taste receptors and proteomic characterization of the antenna and legs of Tribolium brevicornis, a stored food product pest

Abstract

Chemoreception plays an important role in mediating a diverse range of behaviours, including predation and food selection. In the present study, we combined anatomical observations, electrophysiology and proteomics to investigate sensilla that mediate chemoreception on the antenna and the legs of Tribolium. Scanning electron microscopy was used to differentiate the coxal and trochanteral segments of the pro-, meso- and metathoracic legs by the presence of sensilla trichoidea and chaetica, while the antennae were covered with five types of sensilla (chaetica, basiconica, trichoidea, squamiformia and coeloconica). Antenna morphology and ultrastructure were similar in both sexes. Electrophysiological recordings allowed us to characterize a row of small sensilla basiconica on the terminal segment of the antenna as taste receptors, responding to sucrose and NaCl. Proteomics investigations of antennae and legs yielded several proteins with specific interest for those involved in chemoreception. Odorant-binding proteins were antenna-specific, while chemosensory proteins were detected in both tissues.

Contact chemosensation of phytochemicals by insect herbivores

“…Since the expression of GRs is often very low within a given tissue, 6 proteomic profiling would be challenging but would promise to clarify whether GRs are present in vivo 40 . Clearly, more GRs need to be functionally characterised in the future.…”

Scanning Electron Microscope Observations on the Antennal Sensilla of Two Stored Grain PestsTrogoderma granariumandTrogoderma variabile(Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

“…Alabi (2014) showed that they found five sensillum types on the club of the antenna of both sexes of Tribolium brevicornis, represent the most prominent stored food product pests worldwide. While, until now, no detailed reports on the antennal sensilla of T. granarium and T. variabile antennae have been published.…”

A mannitol/sorbitol receptor stimulates dietary intake in Tribolium castaneum

“…The antennae, mouthparts, and legs of Tribolium recognize sucrose in electrophysiological analyses [15, 28]. In B .…”