Separation, characterization and sexual heterogeneity of multiple putative odorant-binding proteins in the honeybee Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidea)

According to precise molar mass determined by mass spectrometry and N-terminal sequence, some 25 odorant-binding-like proteins were characterized from the antennae and legs of worker and drone honeybees. Antennal specific proteins, composed of six different molecules, were classified into three subclasses according to N-terminal sequence homology. The major sexual difference was shown to lie in the relative abundance of these antennal specific proteins and in the occurrence of a drone-specific isoform. At least 19 other related proteins were found to occur in antennae and legs, forming another class showing homology with insect OBP. Genotype comparison of two honeybee races revealed a variability limited to this second class. Provided that these odorant-binding-like proteins are indeed able to bind odorants or pheromones, the question of whether their peculiar multiplicity contributes to the remarkable capacity of the honeybee to discriminate among a wide range of odor molecules is raised.