Odorant-binding proteins: expression and function.
Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are a major constituent of the aqueous perireceptor compartment in vertebrates and in insects. Although different in primary structure, they are supposed to serve similar functions in both animal groups: (i) OBPs may act as solubilizers and carriers of the lipophilic odorants in the aqueous mucus or sensillum lymph; (ii) OBPs may act in addition as peripheral filters in odor discrimination by selectively binding certain classes of odorants; (iii) OBPs may present the stimulus molecule in a particular way to the receptor proteins to facilitate signal transduction; (iv) OBPs may clean the perireceptor space from unwanted and toxic compounds; (v) OBPs may rapidly deactivate odorants after stimulation of the receptors. Experimental evidence in favor of this multiple role of OBPs is reviewed.
Max-Planck-Institut für Verhaltenphysiologie, Seewiesen, Germany. steinbrecht@mpi-seewiesen.mpg.de
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Steinbrecht
D000818:Animals; D007313:Insecta; D018035:Receptors, Odorant / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D014714:Vertebrates
D018035:Receptors, Odorant