-
Frontiers in Neural Circuits 2024Pheromones are specialized chemical messengers used for inter-individual communication within the same species, playing crucial roles in modulating behaviors and... (Review)
Review
Pheromones are specialized chemical messengers used for inter-individual communication within the same species, playing crucial roles in modulating behaviors and physiological states. The detection mechanisms of these signals at the peripheral organ and their transduction to the brain have been unclear. However, recent identification of pheromone molecules, their corresponding receptors, and advancements in neuroscientific technology have started to elucidate these processes. In mammals, the detection and interpretation of pheromone signals are primarily attributed to the vomeronasal system, which is a specialized olfactory apparatus predominantly dedicated to decoding socio-chemical cues. In this mini-review, we aim to delineate the vomeronasal signal transduction pathway initiated by specific vomeronasal receptor-ligand interactions in mice. First, we catalog the previously identified pheromone ligands and their corresponding receptor pairs, providing a foundational understanding of the specificity inherent in pheromonal communication. Subsequently, we examine the neural circuits involved in processing each pheromone signal. We focus on the anatomical pathways, the sexually dimorphic and physiological state-dependent aspects of signal transduction, and the neural coding strategies underlying behavioral responses to pheromonal cues. These insights provide further critical questions regarding the development of innate circuit formation and plasticity within these circuits.
Topics: Animals; Pheromones; Mice; Signal Transduction; Vomeronasal Organ
PubMed: 38742089
DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2024.1409994 -
International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2022Sex pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) play an important role in sex pheromone recognition in Lepidoptera. However, the mechanisms of chemical communication mediating the...
Sex pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) play an important role in sex pheromone recognition in Lepidoptera. However, the mechanisms of chemical communication mediating the response to sex pheromones remain unclear in the diurnal moths of the superfamily Zygaenoidea. In this study, (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Phaudidae) was used as a model insect to explore the molecular mechanism of sex pheromone perception in the superfamily Zygaenoidea. Two novel pheromone-binding proteins ( and ) from were identified. The two pheromone-binding proteins were predominantly expressed in the antennae of male and female moths, in which PflaPBP1 had stronger binding affinity to the female sex pheromones -9-hexadecenal and (, , )-9, 12, 15-octadecatrienal, PflaPBP2 had stronger binding affinity only for (, , )-9, 12, 15-octadecatrienal, and no apparent binding affinity to -9-hexadecenal. The molecular docking results indicated that Ile 170 and Leu 169 are predicted to be important in the binding of the sex pheromone to PflaPBP1 and PflaPBP2. We concluded that PflaPBP1 and PflaPBP2 may be responsible for the recognition of two sex pheromone components and may function differently in female and male . These results provide a foundation for the development of pest control by exploring sex pheromone blocking agents and the application of sex pheromones and their analogs for insect pests in the superfamily Zygaenoidea.
Topics: Animals; Female; Male; Moths; Lepidoptera; Pheromones; Sex Attractants; Carrier Proteins; Molecular Docking Simulation; Insect Proteins
PubMed: 36613830
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010385 -
Journal of Chemical Ecology Sep 2016As global biodiversity declines, biodiversity and conservation have become ever more important research topics. Research in chemical ecology for conservation purposes... (Review)
Review
As global biodiversity declines, biodiversity and conservation have become ever more important research topics. Research in chemical ecology for conservation purposes has not adapted to address this need. During the last 10-15 years, only a few insect pheromones have been developed for biodiversity and conservation studies, including the identification and application of pheromones specifically for population monitoring. These investigations, supplemented with our knowledge from decades of studying pest insects, demonstrate that monitoring with pheromones and other semiochemicals can be applied widely for conservation of rare and threatened insects. Here, I summarize ongoing conservation research, and outline potential applications of chemical ecology and pheromone-based monitoring to studies of insect biodiversity and conservation research. Such applications include monitoring of insect population dynamics and distribution changes, including delineation of current ranges, the tracking of range expansions and contractions, and determination of their underlying causes. Sensitive and selective monitoring systems can further elucidate the importance of insect dispersal and landscape movements for conservation. Pheromone-based monitoring of indicator species will also be useful in identifying biodiversity hotspots, and in characterizing general changes in biodiversity in response to landscape, climatic, or other environmental changes.
Topics: Animal Distribution; Animals; Conservation of Natural Resources; Ecosystem; Endangered Species; Insecta; Pheromones; Population Density
PubMed: 27624066
DOI: 10.1007/s10886-016-0753-4 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2019Pheromones are neuronal signals that stimulate conspecific individuals to react to environmental stressors or stimuli. Research on the ascaroside (ascr) pheromones in... (Review)
Review
Pheromones are neuronal signals that stimulate conspecific individuals to react to environmental stressors or stimuli. Research on the ascaroside (ascr) pheromones in and other nematodes has made great progress since ascr#1 was first isolated and biochemically defined in 2005. In this review, we highlight the current research on the structural diversity, biosynthesis, and pleiotropic neuronal functions of ascr pheromones and their implications in animal physiology. Experimental evidence suggests that ascr biosynthesis starts with conjugation of ascarylose to very long-chain fatty acids that are then processed via peroxisomal β-oxidation to yield diverse ascr pheromones. We also discuss the concentration and stage-dependent pleiotropic neuronal functions of ascr pheromones. These functions include dauer induction, lifespan extension, repulsion, aggregation, mating, foraging and detoxification, among others. These roles are carried out in coordination with three G protein-coupled receptors that function as putative pheromone receptors: SRBC-64/66, SRG-36/37, and DAF-37/38. Pheromone sensing is transmitted in sensory neurons via DAF-16-regulated glutamatergic neurotransmitters. Neuronal peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation has important cell-autonomous functions in the regulation of neuroendocrine signaling, including neuroprotection. In the future, translation of our knowledge of nematode ascr pheromones to higher animals might be beneficial, as ascr#1 has some anti-inflammatory effects in mice. To this end, we propose the establishment of (omone ) as a new subset of integrated disciplinary research area within chemical ecology for system-wide investigation of animal pheromones.
Topics: Animals; Biosynthetic Pathways; Caenorhabditis elegans; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; Glycolipids; Neurons; Neuroprotection; Pheromones; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 31405082
DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163898 -
The Journal of Biological Chemistry Dec 2021Competence for natural transformation extensively contributes to genome evolution and the rapid adaptability of bacteria dwelling in challenging environments. In most...
Competence for natural transformation extensively contributes to genome evolution and the rapid adaptability of bacteria dwelling in challenging environments. In most streptococci, this process is tightly controlled by the ComRS signaling system, which is activated through the direct interaction between the (R)RNPP-type ComR sensor and XIP pheromone (mature ComS). The overall mechanism of activation and the basis of pheromone selectivity have been previously reported in Gram-positive salivarius streptococci; however, detailed 3D-remodeling of ComR leading up to its activation remains only partially understood. Here, we identified using a semirational mutagenesis approach two residues in the pheromone XIP that bolster ComR sensor activation by interacting with two aromatic residues of its XIP-binding pocket. Random and targeted mutagenesis of ComR revealed that the interplay between these four residues remodels a network of aromatic-aromatic interactions involved in relaxing the sequestration of the DNA-binding domain. Based on these data, we propose a comprehensive model for ComR activation based on two major conformational changes of the XIP-binding domain. Notably, the stimulation of this newly identified trigger point by a single XIP substitution resulted in higher competence and enhanced transformability, suggesting that pheromone-sensor coevolution counter-selects for hyperactive systems in order to maintain a trade-off between competence and bacterial fitness. Overall, this study sheds new light on the ComRS activation mechanism and how it could be exploited for biotechnological and biomedical purposes.
Topics: Bacterial Proteins; Evolution, Molecular; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Models, Molecular; Pheromones; Protein Domains; Quorum Sensing; Streptococcus thermophilus; Transformation, Bacterial
PubMed: 34715127
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101346 -
Neuron Sep 2008Sexual courtship is a highly ritualized behavior in many animals. Recent work in the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has illuminated how the pheromone cis-vaccenyl... (Review)
Review
Sexual courtship is a highly ritualized behavior in many animals. Recent work in the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has illuminated how the pheromone cis-vaccenyl acetate modulates sexual behavior in the fly. Chemosensory receptors and a sexually dimorphic circuit activated by this pheromone have been identified. This minireview highlights recent advances in the field of fly courtship.
Topics: Animals; Diptera; Pheromones; Sex Characteristics; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Smell
PubMed: 18786353
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.08.014 -
The Plant Journal : For Cell and... Aug 2014Algae are found in all aquatic and many terrestrial habitats. They are dominant in phytoplankton and biofilms thereby contributing massively to global primary... (Review)
Review
Algae are found in all aquatic and many terrestrial habitats. They are dominant in phytoplankton and biofilms thereby contributing massively to global primary production. Since algae comprise photosynthetic representatives of the various protoctist groups their physiology and appearance is highly diverse. This diversity is also mirrored in their characteristic life cycles that exhibit various facets of ploidy and duration of the asexual phase as well as gamete morphology. Nevertheless, sexual reproduction in unicellular and colonial algae usually has as common motive that two specialized, sexually compatible haploid gametes establish physical contact and fuse. To guarantee mating success, processes during sexual reproduction are highly synchronized and regulated. This review focuses on sex pheromones of algae that play a key role in these processes. Especially, the diversity of sexual strategies as well as of the compounds involved are the focus of this contribution. Discoveries connected to algal pheromone chemistry shed light on the role of key evolutionary processes, including endosymbiotic events and lateral gene transfer, speciation and adaptation at all phylogenetic levels. But progress in this field might also in the future provide valid tools for the manipulation of aquaculture and environmental processes.
Topics: Chlorophyta; Pheromones; Reproduction; Stramenopiles
PubMed: 24597605
DOI: 10.1111/tpj.12496 -
Journal of Chemical Ecology Sep 2018Chemicals released into the environment by food, predators and conspecifics play critical roles in Drosophila reproduction. Females and males live in an environment full... (Review)
Review
Chemicals released into the environment by food, predators and conspecifics play critical roles in Drosophila reproduction. Females and males live in an environment full of smells, whose molecules communicate to them the availability of food, potential mates, competitors or predators. Volatile chemicals derived from fruit, yeast growing on the fruit, and flies already present on the fruit attract Drosophila, concentrating flies at food sites, where they will also mate. Species-specific cuticular hydrocarbons displayed on female Drosophila as they mature are sensed by males and act as pheromones to stimulate mating by conspecific males and inhibit heterospecific mating. The pheromonal profile of a female is also responsive to her nutritional environment, providing an honest signal of her fertility potential. After mating, cuticular and semen hydrocarbons transferred by the male change the female's chemical profile. These molecules make the female less attractive to other males, thus protecting her mate's sperm investment. Females have evolved the capacity to counteract this inhibition by ejecting the semen hydrocarbon (along with the rest of the remaining ejaculate) a few hours after mating. Although this ejection can temporarily restore the female's attractiveness, shortly thereafter another male pheromone, a seminal peptide, decreases the female's propensity to re-mate, thus continuing to protect the male's investment. Females use olfaction and taste sensing to select optimal egg-laying sites, integrating cues for the availability of food for her offspring, and the presence of other flies and of harmful species. We argue that taking into account evolutionary considerations such as sexual conflict, and the ecological conditions in which flies live, is helpful in understanding the role of highly species-specific pheromones and blends thereof, as well as an individual's response to the chemical cues in its environment.
Topics: Animals; Cues; Drosophila melanogaster; Female; Hydrocarbons; Reproduction; Semen; Sex Attractants; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Species Specificity
PubMed: 29557077
DOI: 10.1007/s10886-018-0947-z -
Current Biology : CB Aug 2018To communicate with conspecifics, animals deploy various strategies to release pheromones, chemical signals modulating social and sexual behaviors [1-5]. Importantly, a...
To communicate with conspecifics, animals deploy various strategies to release pheromones, chemical signals modulating social and sexual behaviors [1-5]. Importantly, a single pheromone induces different behaviors depending on the context and exposure dynamics [6-8]. Therefore, to comprehend the ethological role of pheromones, it is essential to characterize how neurons in the recipients respond to temporally and spatially fluctuating chemical signals emitted by donors during natural interactions. In Drosophila melanogaster, the male pheromone 11-cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVA) [9] activates specific olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) [10, 11] to regulate diverse social and sexual behaviors in recipients [12-15]. Physicochemical analyses have identified this chemical on an animal's body [16, 17] and in its local environment [18, 19]. However, because these methods are imprecise in capturing spatiotemporal dynamics, it is poorly understood how individual pheromone cues are released, detected, and interpreted by recipients. Here, we developed a system based on bioluminescence to monitor neural activity in freely interacting Drosophila, and investigated the active detection and perception of the naturally emitted cVA. Unexpectedly, neurons specifically tuned to cVA did not exhibit significant activity during physical interactions between males, and instead responded strongly to olfactory landmarks deposited by males. These landmarks mediated attraction through Or67d receptors and allured both sexes to the marked region. Importantly, the landmarks remained attractive even when a pair of flies was engaged in courtship behavior. In contrast, female deposits did not affect the exploration pattern of either sex. Thus, Drosophila use pheromone marking to remotely signal their sexual identity and to enhance social interactions.
Topics: Animals; Drosophila melanogaster; Female; Luminescent Measurements; Male; Oleic Acids; Olfactory Perception; Olfactory Receptor Neurons; Pheromones; Sex Attractants; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Smell; Synaptic Transmission
PubMed: 30078566
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.06.005 -
Genes, Brain, and Behavior Feb 2020We summarize literature from animal and human studies assessing sex differences in the ability of the main olfactory system to detect and process sex-specific olfactory... (Review)
Review
We summarize literature from animal and human studies assessing sex differences in the ability of the main olfactory system to detect and process sex-specific olfactory signals ("pheromones") that control the expression of psychosexual functions in males and females. A case is made in non primate mammals for an obligatory role of pheromonal signaling via the main olfactory system (in addition to the vomeronasal-accessory olfactory system) in mate recognition and sexual arousal, with male-specific as well as female-specific pheromones subserving these functions in the opposite sex. Although the case for an obligatory role of pheromones in mate recognition and mating among old world primates, including humans, is weaker, we review the current literature assessing the role of putative human pheromones (eg, AND, EST, "copulin"), detected by the main olfactory system, in promoting mate choice and mating in men and women. Based on animal studies, we hypothesize that sexually dimorphic effects of putative human pheromones are mediated via main olfactory inputs to the medial amygdala which, in turn, transmits olfactory information to sites in the hypothalamus that regulate reproduction.
Topics: Amygdala; Animals; Brain; Female; Humans; Hypothalamus; Male; Neurons; Odorants; Olfactory Bulb; Olfactory Pathways; Pheromones; Sex Attractants; Sex Characteristics; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Smell; Vomeronasal Organ
PubMed: 31634411
DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12618