Computational Identification and Characterization of Odorant Binding Proteins (OBPs) and Odorant Receptors (ORs) of Anopheles stephensi for Identification of Novel Attractants and Repellents

Abstract

Anopheles stephensi is a major malaria vector in the Eastern Africa, Middle East, and Indian subcontinent. Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) and odorant receptors (ORs) are major part of the olfactory system of An. stephensi required for the feeding, host seeking and oviposition. This study entails the identification of the OBPs and ORs of An. stephensi for the first time. Further, prediction of gene structure, chromosomal distribution, and subcellular localization of OBPs and ORs were carried out along with the phylogenetic, syntenic and motif analyses. Further, computational characterization of OBPs and ORs was carried out to determine the three-dimensional structures. To identify the attractants and repellents of An. stephensi, pipeline designed for insect’s and molecular docking was performed. A total of 44 OBPs and 45 ORs were identified having close phylogenetic and homologous relationships with the Anopheles gambiae, also a malaria vector. OBPs and ORs characterization revealed the structural differences in OBPs and ORs. Four potential attractants and repellents of An. stephensi were identified using molecular docking. This study provides novel insights into the structure of OBPs and ORs of An. stephensi and identification of novel attractants and repellents to control the An. stephensi using integrated mosquito management (IMM)