Comparative analyses of multiple genomes are used extensively to examine the gains and losses of chemosensory receptors across the genus Drosophila. However, few studies have delved into functional olfactory characteristics. Here we assess olfactory function across 20 species, and identify and describe several similar elements of evolution. We document (a) minor changes in functional ligands based on amino acid substitutions, (b) major changes in olfactory function or perhaps entire receptor replacements, and (c) that only a few receptors are subject to repeated changes, whereas 32 out of 37 OSNs are largely functionally conserved. In addition, we generate a robust model for identifying olfactory function using genomic data and comprehensive ligand-receptor combinations, which includes the prediction of binding pockets. Moreover, this study highlights that functional olfactory evolution does not affect all chemosensory receptors equally, and that ecological, evolutionary, and developmental forces repeatedly affect only a small subset of available receptor proteins.
Keywords: Entomology; agricultural science; evolutionary biology; sensory neuroscience.
© 2022 The Authors.