cellular and molecular life sciences，15 june 2024
abstract
sex pheromones play crucial role in mating behavior of moths, involving intricate recognition mechanisms. while insect chemical biology has extensively studied type i pheromones, type ii pheromones remain largely unexplored. this study focused on helicoverpa armigera , a representative species of noctuid moth, aiming to reassess its sex pheromone composition. our research unveiled two previously unidentified candidate type ii sex pheromones—3z,6z,9z-21:h and 3z,6z,9z-23:h—in h. armigera . furthermore, we identified harmor11 as an orphan pheromone receptor of 3z,6z,9z-21:h. through alphafold2 structural prediction, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, we elucidated the structural basis and key residues governing the sensory nuances of both type i and type ii pheromone receptors, particularly harmor11 and harmor13. this study not only reveals the presence and recognition of candidate type ii pheromones in a noctuid moth, but also establishes a comprehensive structural framework for prs, contributing to the understanding of connections between evolutionary adaptations and the emergence of new pheromone types.
cellular and molecular life sciences，if=8
