Floral odor receptors in Aedes aegypti

The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), responds to plant volatiles to obtain nectar and potentially to locate suitable microhabitats for sheltering. Although some studies have identified compounds emitted by preferred host plants, little is known about the chemical receptors that mediate behavioral responses. In the present study, we have utilized a heterologous expression platform to characterize the activation profiles of members of the Ae. aegypti odorant receptor gene family to a suite of volatile organic compounds. We have identified ligand-receptor relationships that include terpenes, green leaf volatiles, and other plant-derived odors. Moreover, these receptors have well-conserved homologs in other mosquito species, suggesting conserved functions. Our findings establish a baseline for further investigations of the chemical ecology of Ae. aegypti and the evolution of insect chemoreceptors more broadly. Further, the chemicals and or receptors identified could be exploited for the development of highly specific trapping systems for local surveillance or bait-and-kill population reductions.