Identification and functional characterization of AcerOBP15 from Apis cerana cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Coordination in honeybees is heavily dependent on their chemoreception system, which odorant-binding proteins are very important. A previous study based the antennal transcriptome of Apis cerana revealed that OBP15 was significantly up-regulated at 25-day-old. To further unravel and clarify its functional role, we first cloned characterized AcerOBP15 from antennae worker bees. Sequence phylogenetic analysis showed belongs to Minus-C OBPs family. primarily expressed forager legs. fluorescent binding assay had strong affinity most floral volatiles, a restricted number bee pheromone components non-volatile compounds, among highest myrcene. Based RNAi EAG assays, may be required for myrcene recognition. Taken together, suggest plays dual role olfactory gustatory reception when foraging. Our lays theoretical foundation studies regarding mechanism A. cerana.