Gene Duplication in Moth Pheromone Receptors
Author Information
Author(s): Yasukochi Yuji, Miura Nami, Nakano Ryo, Sahara Ken, Ishikawa Yukio
Primary Institution: National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Hokkaido University
Hypothesis
How do genetic changes drive speciation in the olfactory system of male moths?
Conclusion
The study identifies tandemly arrayed sex pheromone receptor genes in the European corn borer, which may enhance the potential for male moths to differentiate pheromone components.
Supporting Evidence
- This is the first report of tandemly arrayed sex pheromone receptor genes in Lepidoptera.
- The Z-linked OR genes were closely related and tandemly arrayed.
- Four of the Z-linked OR genes shared 181-bp direct repeats.
Takeaway
This study found that certain genes in male moths that help them smell female pheromones are grouped together on a chromosome, which might help them adapt to different pheromones.
Methodology
The researchers screened a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library and used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to analyze the location of olfactory receptor genes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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