Seville, Spain - June 7, 2024

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A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from New York University and the University of Florida sheds light on the intricate relationship between smell perception and cellular survival in ants, offering profound insights into the molecular underpinnings of social behavior in these insects.

Published in Science Advances, the study unravels the pivotal role of a protein called Orco in the olfactory system of ants, particularly in Harpegnathos saltator jumping ants. Lead author Bogdan Sieriebriennikov, a postdoctoral fellow at NYU's Department of Biology, emphasized the significance of understanding nervous system development in modern neuroscience.

Ants, renowned for their highly social behavior and complex communication systems, rely heavily on their sense of smell, facilitated by approximately 400 odor receptors—a number comparable to humans. Assistant professor Hua Yan from the University of Florida highlighted the importance of expanded odorant receptor genes in enabling ants to communicate effectively within large societies.

The researchers discovered that mutating the orco gene in ants led to a significant reduction in olfactory neurons, ultimately impairing the insects' ability to interact socially. This observation underscores the critical role of Orco in both the development and maintenance of olfactory cells.

Utilizing advanced techniques such as single-nucleus gene expression profiling and fluorescence microscopy, the team elucidated the mechanisms underlying neuronal death in mutant ants lacking Orco. They found that the absence of Orco resulted in the premature demise of olfactory neurons, potentially due to stress induced by the accumulation of odorant receptors within the cells.

Moreover, the study unveiled intriguing patterns of odorant receptor expression in non-smell cells, suggesting a broader role for these receptors beyond olfactory sensation. Sieriebriennikov speculated on the possibility of evolution repurposing these receptors for new functions, highlighting the dynamic nature of biological adaptation.

In conclusion, the research advances our understanding of social insects' sensory systems and provides a foundation for unraveling the complexities of olfactory neural development. By deciphering the molecular mechanisms governing smell perception in ants, scientists gain valuable insights into the evolutionary processes shaping social behavior in the animal kingdom.