Chemosensory proteins of Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera : Acrididae)

We describe a family of proteins abundantly expressed in the chemoreception sensory organs, the antennae and legs, of the desert locust, Locusta migra toria (Orthoptera, Acrididae). Using polymerase chain reaction-based approa ches and homology screenings, "OS-D"-like proteins were identified in L. mi gratoria. The different sub-types (LmigOS-Ds) an very similar to each other and share about 50-70% identity with OS-Ds from Drosophila melanogaster an d Periplaneta americana. A similar degree of identity was also observed wit h moth OS-Ds. Northern blot analysis revealed a strong expression of the Lm igOS-Ds in the antennae and legs, suggesting their involvement in chemosens ory processes. Despite the lack of direct evidence for their role in chemos ensation, LmigOS-Ds and their homologs seem to constitute a large protein f amily, characterized by a striking abundance and diversity among insect che mosensory organs. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.