Current Research

Research in my lab uses functional genomics approaches to understand chemoreception from genes and genomes to behavior and ecology. The molecular mechanisms of chemoreception have been resolved largely in the last decade, Buck and Axel were awarded the 2004 Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology for their landmark discovery of the first mammalian odorant receptors. The first insect odorant receptors were not discovered until the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) genome was sequenced in 2000. Now, with the rapid advance of whole genome sequencing, more than 10 different insect genomes have been sequenced. Model insect species such as the honeybee and silkworm will provide a basis to study many other insects that occupy diverse ecological niches. Odorant and gustatory receptors (collectively termed chemoreceptors) are large gene families that first detect chemical stimuli in the peripheral sensory system. Olfaction and gustation mediate many critical and fascinating insect behaviors, including mating behavior, host seeking and selection and feeding behavior. Chemoreceptor gene families represent one interface between the external chemical environment and the insect genome. We are now able to study the evolution and adaptation of chemosensory genes in response to environmental changes (specialists vs generalists for example). Tools that we use include genome annotation, transcriptome analysis, gene expression analysis and in vitro receptor activation assays. Research into the chemical senses can span a wide range of topics. Current projects include the evolution and structure-function of moth sex pheromone receptors. Female moths emit a sex pheromone that attracts males from long distances, and the antennae of male moths detect the odors with extreme sensitivity and specificity. Sex pheromones are believed to have played an important role in moth speciation. We are also continuing to study the function of honeybee odorant receptors, including their ability to discriminate between different isomers of a floral odor. Future research will include gustatory receptors and insect feeding behavior.

Recent Publications

Wanner, K.W. and Robertson H.M. 2008. The gustatory receptor family in the silkworm moth Bombyx mori is characterized by a large expansion of a single lineage of putative bitter receptors. Insect Molecular Biology. Published Online: Sep 29 2008

Wanner, K.W., Nichols, A.S., Walden, K.K.O., Brockmann, A., Luetje, C.W. and Robertson, H.M. 2007. A honeybee odorant receptor for the queen substance, 9-oxo-2-decenoic acid. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U.S.A. Sep 4; 104(36):14383-8.

Wanner, K.W., Anderson, A.R., Trowell, S.C., Theilmann, D.A., Robertson, H.M. and Newcomb, R.D. 2007. Female-biased expression of odorant receptor genes in the adult antennae of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Insect Molecular Biology. 16:107-19.

Robertson, H.M. and Wanner, K.W. 2006. The chemoreceptor superfamily in the honey bee Apis mellifera: expansions of the odorant, but not gustatory, receptor families. Genome Research. 16(11):1395-403.

Wanner, K.W., Isman, M.B., Feng, Q. Plettner, E. and Theilmann, D.A. 2005. Developmental expression patterns of four chemosensory protein genes from the Eastern spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana. Insect Molecular Biology. 14:289-300.