Ionotropic receptor 76b (Ir76b) (Ir76b)

Ionotropic receptor 76b (Ir76b) is a highly conserved member of the variant ionotropic glutamate receptor family that serves as a vital chemosensory co-receptor in insects, including Drosophila and disease-carrying mosquitoes such as Anopheles coluzzii. It is primarily responsible for the detection of diverse chemical cues, mediating critical behaviors such as salt sensing (both low-salt attraction and high-salt aversion), amino acid detection, and the perception of volatile amines. In disease vectors, Ir76b is indispensable for the physiological processes governing successful blood-feeding and mating, as loss of the receptor renders mosquitoes incapable of locating or feeding on hosts efficiently. Consequently, Ir76b is considered a high-value molecular target for the development of novel vector control strategies, including species-specific repellents and insecticides aimed at reducing the transmission of pathogens like malaria. Its status as an invertebrate-specific receptor makes it particularly attractive for biotech and agricultural applications, as it offers a pathway for controlling pests with minimal potential for direct toxicity in humans.

Other names

Ir76bCG7385AcIr76bDmIr76bVariant ionotropic glutamate receptor

Functions as a ligand-gated ion channel and essential co-receptor that forms heteromeric complexes with specific tuning ionotropic receptors to facilitate neuronal depolarization in response to chemical stimuli such as salts, amines, and amino acids. It also acts independently as a sodium leak channel for low-salt detection and modulates the sensitivity of other sensory neurons, such as those for sweet taste.