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Nematode Signaling Molecules Are Extensively Metabolized by Animals, Plants, and Microorganisms
Yan Yu1,2, Ying K Zhang1,2, Murli Manohar1,2
1Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States.
ACS Chemical Biology
|May 21, 2021
Summary
Nematode signaling molecules called ascarosides are absorbed and modified by diverse organisms, including plants and mammals. This suggests widespread ecological interactions mediated by ascaroside metabolism and signaling.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Ecology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nematodes utilize signaling molecules called ascarosides for behavior and development.
- The environmental fate and cross-kingdom interactions of ascarosides are largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the uptake and metabolism of ascarosides by various organisms.
- To explore the ecological implications of ascaroside signaling across different phyla.
Main Methods:
- Stable-isotope labeling combined with mass spectrometry-based comparative metabolomics.
- Analysis of ascaroside metabolism in nematodes, plants, fungi, bacteria, and mammals.
Main Results:
- Ascarosides are absorbed and metabolized by a wide range of eukaryotes and some bacteria.
- Metabolism often involves shortening of fatty acid side chains, similar to nematode pathways.
- Plants and *C. elegans* integrate ascarosides into larger metabolites; stereoisomers reveal biosynthetic specificity.
- Nematodes extensively metabolize environmental ascarosides, suggesting pheromone editing in interactions.
Conclusions:
- Ascaroside signaling is not exclusive to nematodes and influences diverse organisms.
- Cross-kingdom interactions may occur through the manipulation of ascaroside pathways.
- Understanding ascaroside metabolism provides insights into ecological communication and host-parasite dynamics.
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