Characterization of the Odorant Receptor Co-receptor (ORCO) in the bed bug, Cimex lectularius L.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Exhibit Hall C (Oregon Convention Center)
Stacy D. Rodriguez , Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Lisa L. Drake , Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
David P. Price , Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Hitoshi Tsujimoto , Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Chelsea Rodriguez , Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Brittny Blakely , Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Erika Monroy , Chemistry, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
William Maio , Chemistry, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Alvaro Romero , Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Immo A. Hansen , Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Cimex lectularius, the common bed bug, is an urban pest that has become an increased concern throughout the world. There has been resurgence of infestations which are especially difficult to control due to increased pesticide resistance found in bed bugs. Control has proven to be a costly and laborious, so identifying alternative targets for pesticides and repellants are a crucial part of future control strategies.

 Olfaction is vital to the fitness of an insect allowing them to detect chemical cues to seek mates, detect predators, and find sustenance. Odorant receptor co-receptor (ORCO) is the constant chain and part of every dimeric insect odorant receptor. In Drosophila and mosquitoes, ORCO mutations or inhibition with drugs have been shown to strongly alter insects’ ability to detect odors.

 In this study, we present the full-length cDNA sequence of bed bug ORCO and its functional characterization with the help of chemical agonists and antagonists. Using ORCO as a target to enhance bed bug repellent and insecticide efficacy may improve control efforts.

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