Ectopic expression of olfactory receptors and associated G-protein subunits in the head integument of the amphihaline migratory fish hilsa Tenualosa ilisha.

The chemosensory nature of the tissue from the dorsal surface of the head (also termed sensory pad; SP) of the amphihaline diadromous fish hilsa Tenualosa ilisha was investigated for odorant receptor (OR), olfactory marker protein (OMP) and G-protein subunits (Gαs-olf, Gαq, Gαo, Gαi3) through immunolocalization and immunoblotting techniques. The immunolocalization of OR, OMP and G-protein subunits showed clear expression of these proteins in the tissues of the SP. Robust expressions of these proteins in the SP were detected with immunoblot analysis. The strong expression of these proteins in the SP indicates that the tissues from this area in riverine T. ilisha may play significant role in chemosensing and signalling through ectopic expression of olfactory receptor proteins which are otherwise reported in olfactory organs in vertebrates. Being migratory in nature, ectopic expression of these receptors in T. ilisha probably helps them to prevent damage to epidermal tissues of the SP, or they may also utilize them as a chemo and mechanosensory tool to optimize chemo-communications during migration.