Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University , New Haven, CT 06520 , USA.
Open Biol. 2018 Dec;8(12):180208. doi: 10.1098/rsob.180208.
The term 'odorant-binding proteins (Obps)' is used to refer to a large family of insect proteins that are exceptional in their number, abundance and diversity. The name derives from the expression of many family members in the olfactory system of insects and their ability to bind odorants in vitro. However, an increasing body of evidence reveals a much broader role for this family of proteins. Recent results also provoke interesting questions about their mechanisms of action, both within and outside the olfactory system. Here we describe the identification of the first Obps and some cardinal properties of these proteins. We then consider their function, discussing both the prevailing orthodoxy and the increasing grounds for heterodox views. We then examine these proteins from a broader perspective and consider some intriguing questions in need of answers.
术语“气味结合蛋白（Obps）”用于指代昆虫中数量庞大、丰富多样的一类蛋白。这个名称源于许多家族成员在昆虫嗅觉系统中的表达以及它们在体外结合气味物质的能力。然而，越来越多的证据揭示了这个蛋白家族的更广泛作用。最近的研究结果也引发了人们对这些蛋白在嗅觉系统内外作用机制的有趣问题的关注。本文描述了第一个 Obp 的鉴定以及这些蛋白的一些主要特性。然后，我们考虑了它们的功能，讨论了目前的主流观点和越来越多的异端观点的依据。接下来，我们从更广泛的角度研究这些蛋白，并考虑了一些需要解答的有趣问题。
