Multiple functions of an odorant-binding protein in the mosquito Aedes aegypti

To prevent spreading of deadly diseases, populations of mosquitoes can be controlled by interfering with their chemical communication system. Odorant-binding proteins, recently shown to be required for olfaction, represent interesting targets for such purpose. Here we describe the ligand-binding properties and the unusual tissue expression of odorant-binding protein 22 from the repertoire of Aedes aegypti. Best ligands are molecules with two aromatic rings connected by a short rigid chain. The protein is expressed not only in sensory organs, such as the antennae and proboscis, but also in the male reproductive apparatus and transferred to the spermathecs of females. This suggests an additional function for this protein as pheromone carrier, analogously to vertebrates’ urinary and salivary proteins as well as some insect chemosensory proteins. Antiserum against odorant-binding protein 22 also stained the edges and sensilla of spiracles, indicating a third, still unknown, role for this protein.