Characterization of an Antennal Carboxylesterase from the Pest Moth Spodoptera littoralis Degrading a Host Plant Odorant

摘要: Background: Carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCEs) are highly diversified in insects. These enzymes have a broad range of proposed functions, neuro/developmental processes, dietary detoxification, insecticide resistance or hormone/ pheromone degradation. As few functional data available on purified recombinant CCEs, the physiological role most these is unknown. Concerning their olfaction, only two CCEs able to metabolize sex pheromones been functionally characterized expressed male antennae, and secreted into lumen pheromone-sensitive sensilla. hydrolyze other odorants than pheromones, such as plant volatiles, not identified. Methodology: In Spodoptera littoralis, major crop pest, diversity antennal has previously We employed here combination molecular biology, biochemistry electrophysiology approaches characterize an intracellular CCE, SlCXE10, whose predominant expression olfactory sensilla suggested olfaction. A protein was produced using baculovirus system we tested its catabolic properties towards volatile components. Conclusion: showed that SlCXE10 could efficiently green leaf lesser extent The transcript level antennae also strongly induced by exposure this odorant. associated with responding odours. results suggest CCE-based metabolism occur insect addition extracellular occurring within sensillar lumen. This first characterization OdorantDegrading Enzyme active host volatile.