Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026
07:23
Light-induced Patterning and Grafting for Slippery Surfaces based on Silane-coated Nanoporous Structures
Published on: November 14, 2025
360
A unique structural distribution pattern discovered for the cerebrosides from starfish Asterias amurensis
Ryosuke Yamaguchi1, Yoshimi Kanie1, Osamu Kanie1
1Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University, 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, 259-1292, Japan.
Carbohydrate Research
|January 26, 2019
Summary
Starfish contain unique cerebrosides with diverse structures, suitable for cosmetic applications. This study identifies these structures, confirming starfish as a valuable source for cosmetic ingredients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Marine Biology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Cerebrosides, mono-glycosylated ceramides, are vital glycosphingolipids in the skin barrier.
- They are amphiphilic and serve as ceramide precursors, making them valuable cosmetic ingredients.
- Starfish are explored as a potential source for cerebrosides, but their structures require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the individual structures of cerebrosides from the starfish Asterias amurensis.
- To assess the potential of starfish-derived cerebrosides for use in cosmetic formulations.
- To analyze the sphingosine and fatty acyl group composition of these cerebrosides.
Main Methods:
- Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
- Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)
- Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR)
Main Results:
- Detailed structures of cerebrosides from Asterias amurensis were determined.
- Three major structural groups were identified based on sphingosine and fatty acyl chain lengths.
- Calculated Log P values (9-11) for most molecules align with cosmetic ingredient requirements.
Conclusions:
- Starfish Asterias amurensis possesses a diverse array of cerebrosides with structures suitable for cosmetic applications.
- The identified structural characteristics support the potential of starfish as a sustainable raw material for cosmetic cerebrosides.
- Further research into starfish-derived cerebrosides can unlock new cosmetic ingredient possibilities.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Other Unique Bacteria
436
Magnetic bacteria exhibit a directed movement called magnetotaxis, driven by structures called magnetosomes. These magnetosomes consist of chains of magnetic particles made of either magnetite (Fe₃O₄) or greigite (Fe₃S₄) and are organized in a linear conformation by a protein scaffold within invaginations of the cell membrane. The bacteria align along the north–south magnetic field lines, much like a compass needle. They are typically microaerophilic or anaerobic...
436
01:16Second Uniqueness Theorem
2.6K
Consider a region consisting of several individual conductors with a definite charge density in the region between these conductors. The second uniqueness theorem states that if the total charge on each conductor and the charge density in the in-between region are known, then the electric field can be uniquely determined.
In contrast, consider that the electric field is non-unique and apply Gauss's law in divergence form in the region between the conductors and the integral form to the surface...
In contrast, consider that the electric field is non-unique and apply Gauss's law in divergence form in the region between the conductors and the integral form to the surface...
2.6K
02:10Additional Subnuclear Structures
5.4K
The eukaryotic nucleus is a double membrane-bound organelle that contains nearly all of the cell’s genetic material in the form of chromosomes. It is rightly called the “brain” of the cell as it shoulders the responsibility of responding to various physiological processes, stress, altered metabolic conditions, and other cellular signals.
The nucleus contains many membrane-less subnuclear organelles or nuclear bodies, such as nucleoli, Cajal bodies, speckles,...
The nucleus contains many membrane-less subnuclear organelles or nuclear bodies, such as nucleoli, Cajal bodies, speckles,...
5.4K
03:17Inheritance of Chromatin Structures
7.5K
Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying...
7.5K
01:10Antibody Structure
65.5K
Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
65.5K
01:06Fixed Action Patterns
17.6K
A fixed action pattern (FAP) is a specific, hard-wired sequence of behaviors that occurs in response to an external stimulus, called a sign stimulus. The behavior is “fixed” because it is essentially unchangeable—proceeding similarly across individuals of a species every time it occurs.
17.6K