Evolution of moth sex pheromone desaturases.
Moth sex pheromone communication has evolved to use complex blends of relatively simple long-chain fatty acid precursors. Species specificity is derived from the unique stereochemistry of double bonds introduced into exact locations along the hydrocarbon backbone of fatty acids, which are reduced and then undergo a variety of chain-shortening and functionalization reactions to form the pheromone blend. Key enzymes that have evolved to function in this system are the acyl coenzyme A desaturases, which catalyze the introduction of the double bonds. This report gives an overview of the evolution of these enzymes, with an introduction to the newly arisen field of "semiochemical genetics."
Rooney
Alejandro P
AP
Microbial Genomics and Bioprocessing Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois 61604, USA. alejandro.rooney@ars.usda.gov
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D009036:Moths / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D010802:Phylogeny; D012724:Sex Attractants / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D013045:Species Specificity
D012724:Sex Attractants; D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases