Searches in the CAS database primarily based on similarity or sub framework motifs of compound ten exposed that this class of chemicals has not been described for insects nor have they, towards the very best of our information, been described in nature at all. Based mostly on compound 10, we recommend to identify this substance class crematoenones, reflecting the supply genus Crematogaster, the double bond within the octahydronaphthalene subunit, and also the keto function. Possible biosynthesis on the crematoenones The genus Crematogaster is regarded for its skill to produce a wide array of structurally diverse chemical substances, Compared to other ant species, the Crematogaster species studied so far possess a peculiar program of venom manufacturing. precursors from Dufours gland are derivatized by enzymes from the poison gland, It may be due to this mechanism that Crematogaster species develop such chemically varied venoms.
When a number of of your previously described Crematogaster venoms are derived from either fatty acid or terpenoid metabolic process, other ant venoms studied so far are frequently alkaloids and are most likely derived from the amino acid, polyacetate, or fatty acid metabolic process, We propose that the biosynthesis of crematoenones is usually linked to a polyketide kind biosynthesis pathway. A proposed polyketide selleck chemical DZNeP of eleven acetate units, re organized by two intramolecular aldol condensations followed by many modifications which include decarboxylation, eliminations of water and multiple reductions could clarify the formation with the C21 backbone of crematoenones. Biosynthesis primarily based on the C21 hydrocarbon is an alternative pathway, nevertheless it looks much less probable.
Notably, the crematoenones appear to be synthesized de novo, considering the fact that their composition remained consistent in colonies that had been stored while in the la boratory on an artificial SB-431542 diet regime of dead insects, honey, and Bhatkar diet regime for up to 15 months, This contrasts with e. g. herbivorous beetles, which take up toxins from their host plants with number of if any modifications, even though a fungal or microbial origin of crematoenones cannot be ruled out. Interspecific nestmate recognition is mediated by hydrocarbons Amongst the 7 colonies that had been chemically characterized, we identified a complete of 24 various novel compounds. Although Cr. modiglianii exhibits colony precise crematoenone profiles, neither in the two spe cies differentiated among intra and allocolonial crematoenones, but plainly discriminated intracolonial from allocolonial hydrocarbons in the respective element ner species. Our experiments consequently present that the rec ognition on the partner species is mediated by cuticular hydrocar bons like it is acknowledged from other ant species, rather than the crematoenones.