Diversity and Molecular Evolution of Odorant Receptor in Hemipteran Insects

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Insects’ behavior and ecology are closely related to their chemosensory systems, during which odorant receptors (ORs) play an essential role in host recognition. Although OR gene evolution has been studied in many insect orders, a comprehensive evolutionary analysis and expression of OR gene gain and loss events among diverse hemipteran species are still needed. In this study, we identified and analyzed the OR genes from hemipteran species systematically. The number of OR genes discovered in each species ranged from less than ten to hundreds. Gene gain and loss events of OR have occurred in several species in the seven major clades classified through phylogenetic analysis. Then, we discovered the amino acid differences between species to understand the molecular evolution of OR in the order Hemiptera through positive selection. This study lays a foundation for subsequent investigations into the molecular mechanisms of Hemiptera olfactory receptors involved in host recognition. ABSTRACT: Olfaction is a critical physiologic process for insects to interact with the environment, especially plant-emitted volatiles, during which odorant receptors (ORs) play an essential role in host recognition. Although OR gene evolution has been studied in many insect orders, a comprehensive evolutionary analysis and expression of OR gene gain and loss events among diverse hemipteran species are still required. In this study, we identified and analyzed 887 OR genes from 11 hemipteran species. The number of OR genes discovered in each species ranged from less than ten to hundreds. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all identified Hemiptera OR genes were classified into seven major clades. Gene gain and loss events of OR have occurred in several species. Then, by positive selection, we discovered the amino acid differences between species to understand the molecular evolution of OR in the order Hemiptera. Additionally, we discussed how evolutionary analysis can aid the study of insect–plant communication. This study lays a foundation for subsequent investigations into the molecular mechanisms of Hemiptera olfactory receptors involved in host recognition.