Odorant receptor 31 (Or31)

Odorant receptor 31 (Or31) is a specialized chemosensory receptor found in insects, most notably in mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae. It belongs to the insect odorant receptor (OR) family, which functions as a heteromeric, non-selective cation channel in complex with the highly conserved co-receptor Orco. Or31 is primarily expressed in the olfactory receptor neurons of the antennae and is responsible for detecting specific volatile compounds, such as (E)-beta-farnesene (EBF) and geranyl acetate. Activation of Or31 by these ligands, particularly EBF (a component of pyrethrum), triggers spatial repellency and avoidance behaviors in mosquitoes. This makes Or31 a significant target for the development of novel insect repellents and vector control strategies aimed at reducing the transmission of infectious diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika. In addition to agonists, research has identified allosteric antagonists like tryptamine and tyramine that can inhibit the receptor's function, providing further avenues for behavioral manipulation. The receptor's conservation across major disease-transmitting mosquito genera underscores its potential as a broad-spectrum target for public health interventions.

Other names

OR31AaOr31AgOr31Insect odorant receptor 31

Agonism of the Or31/Orco heteromeric complex triggers spatial repellency and avoidance behavior in insects; allosteric antagonism inhibits odorant-induced activation.