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Published on: July 17, 2018
Methyl trisporate E. A sex pheromone in Phycomyces blakesleeanus
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|May 25, 1984
Summary
Phycomyces blakesleeanus produces trisporic acids, including trisporic acid E. Its methyl ester shows pheromone activity, inducing zygophore formation in fungi like Mucor mucedo.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Chemical Ecology
Background:
- Phycomyces blakesleeanus produces trisporic acids, crucial signaling molecules in fungal mating.
- Trisporic acid E is a significant component of the secreted trisporic acids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the biological activity of trisporic acid E.
- To elucidate the structure of methyl trisporate E and its role as a pheromone.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Phycomyces blakesleeanus to accumulate trisporic acids.
- Bioassays using P. blakesleeanus and Mucor mucedo to test zygophore-inducing activity.
- Chemical structure elucidation of methyl trisporate E.
Main Results:
- Combined mating type cultures yielded 41 mg/l of trisporic acids, with 30% being trisporic acid E.
- Methyl trisporate E demonstrated equivalent zygophore-inducing activity to methyl trisporate C.
- The chemical structure of methyl trisporate E was determined.
Conclusions:
- Trisporic acid E is an active pheromone in fungal mating.
- Methyl trisporate E plays a role in initiating zygophore formation in P. blakesleeanus and M. mucedo.
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