Exploring Modular Glycolipids Involved in Nematode Chemical Communication

Authors

  • Stephan H. von Reuss Laboratory for Bioanalytical Chemistry University of Neuchâtel Avenue de Bellevaux 51, Neuchâtel, Switzerland. stephan.vonreuss@unine.ch

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2018.297

Keywords:

Ascarosides, Chemical ecology, Glycolipids, Modular metabolites, Nematodes

Abstract

Chemical communication in nematodes has been known for over half a century, but the underlying molecular basis remained largely elusive. Recent advances in analytical techniques facilitated the characterization of a modular glycolipid library based on the dideoxysugar L-ascarylose, which modulates behavior and development in the model organism C. elegans. Ascaroside signaling is highly conserved in nematodes and represents a key factor in nematode chemical ecology. Ascaroside biosynthesis depends on the co-option of the peroxisomal ?-oxidation cycle and in addition integrates a large diversity of additional building blocks derived from various primary metabolic pathways to give rise to species-specific modular assemblies, thus, transcending the concept of strictly segregated primary versus secondary metabolism.

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Published

2018-05-30