biostudies-literatureHuff RMNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNIAID NIH HHSNational Institutes of HealthNIH HHSbjac032https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9717389biostudies-literatureUnknown47Insects rely on olfactory receptors to detect and respond to diverse environmental chemical cues. Detection of semiochemicals by these receptors modulates insect behavior and has a direct impact on species fitness. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released by animals and plants and can provide contextual cues that a blood meal host or nectar source is present. One such VOC is linalool, an enantiomeric monoterpene, that is emitted from plants and bacteria species. This compound exists in nature as one of two possible stereoisomers, (R)-(-)-linalool or (S)-(+)-linalool. In this study, we use a heterologous expression system to demonstrate differential responsiveness of a pair of Anopheline odorant receptors (Ors) to enantiomers of linalool. The mosquitoes Anopheles gambiae and AnophelesChemical sensesFunctional conservation of Anopheline linalool receptors through 100 million years of evolution.PMC9717389R01 AI148300-01A1R01 AI148300Pitts RJHuff RMfalseFunctional conservation of Anopheline linalool receptors through 100 million years of evolution.Insects rely on olfactory receptors to detect and respond to diverse environmental chemical cues. Detection of semiochemicals by these receptors modulates insect behavior and has a direct impact on species fitness. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released by animals and plants and can provide contextual cues that a blood meal host or nectar source is present. One such VOC is linalool, an enantiomeric monoterpene, that is emitted from plants and bacteria species. This compound exists in nature as one of two possible stereoisomers, (R)-(-)-linalool or (S)-(+)-linalool. In this study, we use a heterologous expression system to demonstrate differential responsiveness of a pair of Anopheline odorant receptors (Ors) to enantiomers of linalool. The mosquitoes Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Jan2025-04-21T23:06:03.101Z2025-04-05T19:03:52.439ZS-EPMC97173893645890110.1093/chemse/bjac032