Targeting the role of “Sensory Neuron Membrane Proteins” in moth and locust olfaction

In insects, odor detection is achieved via different types of olfactory sensilla on the antenna. These sensory units house olfactory sensory neurons (OSN) and associated support cells (SCs), both of which express the proteins required for olfactory signaling. Among these proteins, members of the CD36 lipid transporter/receptor family, named sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), are indicated to be of vital importance. While the SNMP1 type is considered to act as a coreceptor in the sensitive odorant receptor-mediated detection of pheromones by OSNs, the SNMP2 type was found expressed in SCs, suggesting a completely different role, possibly in cleaning processes maintaining the functionality of the sensilla. We have studied the two SNMP types in moths and locusts revealing new insights into the expression and function of the proteins in the olfactory system of these insect groups.