X-ray crystal structure and binding studies of the Odorant Binding Protein 5 from the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae

Anopheles gambiae is the primary mosquito vector responsible for the transmission of malaria, causing more than 1 million deaths each year. Like other insects, mosquitoes rely on olfaction to find mates, food and sources of blood meals. Odorant Binding Proteins (OBPs) that mediate the initial step in the transduction cascade of olfactory signals in insects have been suggested to play an essential role in the detection and transportation of semiochemicals to Odorant Receptors (ORs), and thus, they constitute promising targets for the design of new repellent/attractant molecules. Therefore, a detailed knowledge of the 3D structures and functionality of OBPs may provide a valuable tool for the structure-based discovery of novel olfactory disruptors of insect host seeking behavior to be used in more effective mosquito control strategies.