Insect olfactory sensory neuron (OSN)

Insect olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), often called olfactory receptor neurons, are specialized nerve cells located within the antennae and other olfactory organs of insects. These neurons detect environmental odors via the expression of specific olfactory receptor proteins—mainly odorant receptors (ORs) and ionotropic receptors (IRs)—on their dendritic membranes. Each OSN typically expresses one type of receptor, conferring sensitivity to a specific set of odorants. OSNs play critical roles in mediating insect behaviors such as foraging, mating, and oviposition. Although OSNs themselves are cellular structures and not molecular targets, they are critically important as the site of action for chemicals and drugs (such as insect repellents like DEET) that act on their expressed receptors, making olfactory receptors on these neurons attractive molecular targets for pest control and the modification of insect behavior.

Other names

Olfactory sensory neuronOSNolfactory receptor neuroninsect olfactory neuron