A step-by-step computational protocol for functional annotation and structural modelling of insect chemosensory proteins

Kalepu, Rajeswari and Abdul Hamid, Azzmer Azzar and Hassan, Maizom and Mohd-Assaad, Norfarhan and Nor Muhammad, Nor Azlan (2025) A step-by-step computational protocol for functional annotation and structural modelling of insect chemosensory proteins. bio-protocol, 15 (22). pp. 1-18. ISSN 23318325

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Abstract

Insects rely on chemosensory proteins, including gustatory receptors, to detect chemical cues that regulate feeding, mating, and oviposition behaviours. Conventional approaches for studying these proteins are limited by the scarcity of experimentally resolved structures, especially in non-model pest species. Here, we present a reproducible computational protocol for the identification, functional annotation, and structural modelling of insect chemosensory proteins, demonstrated using gustatory receptors from the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) as an example. The protocol integrates publicly available sequence data with OmicsBox for functional annotation and ColabFold for high-confidence structure prediction, providing a step-by-step framework that can be applied to genome-derived or transcriptomic datasets. The workflow is designed for broad applicability across insect species and generates structurally reliable protein models suitable for downstream applications such as ligand docking or molecular dynamics simulations. By bridging functional annotation with structural characterisation, this protocol enables reproducible studies of chemosensory proteins in agricultural and ecological contexts and supports the development of novel pest management strategies.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Gustatory receptors, Protein structure prediction, Bioinformatics protocol, OmicsBox, ColabFold, Red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus),Pest management, Biocontrol
Subjects:	Q Science > QR Microbiology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Science > Department of Biotechnology Kulliyyah of Science
Depositing User:	AP. Dr. Azzmer Azzar Abdul Hamid
Date Deposited:	16 Dec 2025 11:55
Last Modified:	16 Dec 2025 11:55
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q908
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/125817

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