OBP83b and OBP49a Involved in the Perception of Female-Derived Pheromones in Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)

In Bactrocera dorsalis, both males and females release chemical signals to attract mates. In our previous study, we identified ethyl laurate, ethyl myristate, and ethyl palmitate as potent female-derived pheromones that contribute to mate attraction. However, the mechanisms underlying the olfactory recognition remain unclear. In this study, we observed strong antennal and behavioral responses in male B. dorsalis to these female-derived pheromones, and further investigation revealed significant upregulation of OBP49a and OBP83b following exposure to these compounds. Through fluorescence competitive binding assays and RNA interference techniques, we demonstrated the crucial roles of OBP49a and OBP83b in detecting female-derived pheromones. Finally, molecular docking analysis identified key residues, including His134 in OBP83b and a lysine residue in OBP49a, which formed hydrogen bonds with female-derived pheromones, facilitating their binding. These findings not only advance our understanding of olfactory recognition of pheromones in B. dorsalis but also offer potential targets for developing olfaction-interfering techniques for pest control.