Cantharidin biosynthesis in a blister beetle: inhibition by 6-fluoromevalonate causes chemical disarmament.
Biosynthesis of cantharidin in a blister beetle, Lytta polita, is effectively inhibited by 6-fluoromevalonate. Inhibition is attributed specifically to the fluorine substituent. Biochemical inhibition has not been demonstrated previously for an arthropod's defensive substance.
D000818:Animals; D002193:Cantharidin / Q000378:metabolism*; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008798:Mevalonic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D012098:Reproduction
C045174:6-fluoromevalonolactone; D002193:Cantharidin; D008798:Mevalonic Acid