Structural basis for sugar perception by Drosophila gustatory receptors. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38305684/)

These scientists studied how insects taste different flavors like sweet and bitter. They looked at proteins called gustatory receptors (GRs) that help insects taste things. The scientists focused on two specific receptors called GR43a and GR64a found in fruit flies.

They found that both GR43a and GR64a are like tiny channels that open up when they sense sugar. Imagine them as tiny doors that open when they detect sugar molecules. GR43a is like a door that opens when it senses fructose, a type of sugar. On the other hand, GR64a opens up when it detects other sugars like sucrose and maltose. It's like each receptor has its own special key to unlock it.

When sugar molecules bind to these receptors, they cause some parts of the receptors to change shape. This change in shape then leads to the tiny doors opening up, allowing the insect to taste the sugar. The scientists used special tools to look closely at the structures of these receptors and how they work when they sense sugar.

By understanding how these receptors work, the scientists learned more about how insects taste different flavors. This knowledge helps us understand more about how insects interact with their environment and find food.

Ma D., Hu M., Yang X., Liu Q., Ye F., Cai W., Wang Y., Xu X., Chang S., Wang R., Yang W., Ye S., Su N., Fan M., Xu H., Guo J. Structural basis for sugar perception by Drosophila gustatory receptors. Science. 2024 Feb 23;383(6685):eadj2609. doi: 10.1126/science.adj2609. Epub 2024 Feb 23.