Olfactory cues are detected by large families of seven transmembrane-spanning receptors, which have until now been classified as G-protein-coupled receptors. In insects, these odorant receptors require a second protein (Or83b) for correct function. The second of two related papers shows that, in addition to direct channel activation, ligand binding to odorant receptors causes G-protein-coupled channel activation.
- Dieter Wicher
- Ronny Schäfer
- Bill S. Hansson
