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Review
. 2015 Dec;31(12):683-695.
doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2015.09.005. Epub 2015 Oct 22.

Drosophila Chemoreceptors: A Molecular Interface Between the Chemical World and the Brain

Ryan M Joseph  1 , John R Carlson  2
Affiliations
Review

Drosophila Chemoreceptors: A Molecular Interface Between the Chemical World and the Brain

Ryan M Joseph et al. Trends Genet. 2015 Dec.

Abstract

Chemoreception is essential for survival. Feeding, mating, and avoidance of predators depend on detection of sensory cues. Drosophila contains diverse families of chemoreceptors that detect odors, tastants, pheromones, and noxious stimuli, including receptors of the odor receptor (Or), gustatory receptor (Gr), ionotropic receptor (IR), Pickpocket (Ppk), and Trp families. We consider recent progress in understanding chemoreception in the fly, including the identification of new receptors, the discovery of novel biological functions for receptors, and the localization of receptors in unexpected places. We discuss major unsolved problems and suggest areas that may be particularly ripe for future discoveries, including the roles of these receptors in driving the circuits and behaviors that are essential to the survival and reproduction of the animal.

Keywords: gustatory receptor; ionotropic glutamate receptor; odor receptor; olfaction; olfactory receptor neuron; taste.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Expression of the three largest chemoreceptor families in Drosophila. Light gray coloring indicates the exterior of the fly; dark gray coloring indicates the interior. Tan highlights the antenna and maxillary palp, which primarily house olfactory neurons. Leg sensilla indicated in red are male specific. Gr expression in the gut occurs in enteroendocrine cells as opposed to neurons. Multidendritic neurons are subcuticular. Expression of Grs and IRs is based in most cases on expression of Gr-GAL4 and IR-GAL4 drivers. Expression of Ors is based on Or-GAL4 drivers and in situ hybridizations. Classes of receptors that have been identified in each corresponding sensillum type or tissue are indicated at right of labels. *Antennal Grs include Gr21a and Gr63a in basiconic sensilla neurons and others [62, 85]. **A single Or has been localized to one neuron of one coeloconic sensillum. ***A single IR has been localized to multidendritic neurons in the abdomen
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Chemosensory sensilla. (A) olfactory and (B) gustatory sensilla in adult flies. The dendrites are bathed in sensillar lymph (light blue). The shaft of the olfactory sensillum is perforated by small pores, while the shaft of the gustatory sensillum contains a single pore, located at the tip. Both olfactory and gustatory sensilla contain non-neuronal accessory cells, which secrete OBPs into the lymph.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Chemosensory organs of the larval head. The dorsal organ (DO), terminal organ (TO), and ventral organ (VO) are external; the dorsal pharyngeal sensilla (DPS), ventral pharyngeal sensilla (VPS) and dorsal pharyngeal organ (DPO) are internal and line the gastrointestinal tract (dark gray) of the larva. Colored circles indicate the expression of at least one receptor of the indicated category in the indicated organ. Mapping of Grs and IRs is based primarily on analysis of GAL4 drivers.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Classes of chemoreceptors. The predicted topologies of the different receptor classes are indicated. The topology of Grs is not well-established and may vary among Grs. Examples of receptors in each class are provided, along with presumptive stimuli and behaviors activated by each receptor. We note that TRPA1 also responds to heat and acts in thermotaxis behavior, while TRPL responds to light and acts in phototaxis behavior.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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