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Ohhara Y, Sagisaka C, Yamakawa-Kobayashi K. The collembolan Sinella dubiosa produces eicosapentaenoic acid. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 269:110900. [PMID: 37689345 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2023.110900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are essential nutrients for vertebrate development and physiology. Microorganisms, such as microalgae, produce n-3 PUFAs that are transferred to higher predators in the aquatic food web. However, recent studies have demonstrated that various aquatic invertebrates possess the biosynthetic enzymes required for n-3 PUFA production, raising the possibility that n-3 PUFAs are also produced in certain aquatic invertebrates. In contrast to aquatic invertebrates, it remains unclear whether and how PUFAs are produced in terrestrial invertebrates, including collembolans, one of the most widespread microarthropods in soil ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the biosynthetic capacity of n-3 PUFAs in litter-dwelling Collembola, Sinella dubiosa. We detected EPA in Sinella dubiosa reared on Brewer's yeast, which produced only saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, metabolic analysis using isotope-labeled fatty acids revealed that oleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids were metabolized to EPA in Sinella dubiosa. Given that collembolans are food for predatory arthropods and their nutrients are transferred to higher predatory vertebrates in the soil food web, we propose that Collembola serve as an EPA source in soil ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Ohhara
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan; Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Chiemi Sagisaka
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Kimiko Yamakawa-Kobayashi
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan; Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
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2
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Kühn J, Henning V, Ruess L. Improving the application of quantitative fatty acid signature analysis in soil food webs: The effects of diet fat content. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:11065-11076. [PMID: 34429903 PMCID: PMC8366837 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA) as a biochemical tool to study the diet composition of predators is frequently used in marine ecology to infer trophic links in vertebrate consumers. However, the potential and challenges of this method in other ecosystems have only recently been studied. The application in soil ecosystems leads to hurdles not encountered in the marine, such as the low similarity of fatty acid signatures between resource and consumer. So far, diet estimation attempts have been semisuccessful, necessitating to adapt QFASA for use in soil food webs. Dietary fat content may play an important role, as it influences consumer metabolism, and thus calibration coefficients for fatty acid trophic transfer. A series of feeding trials with baker's yeast spiked with five different pure fatty acids at various concentrations was conducted with Collembola, and the changes in calibration coefficients were observed. From there, equations were gained through regression analysis and new sets of calibration coefficients were calculated. QFASA was applied on a range of basal resources and the results compared with previously defined calibration coefficients. Calibration coefficients changed with the proportion of fatty acids in the diet and differed between the three Collembolan species. The re-estimation of diets showed an improvement of model performance by the new calibration coefficients and indicated several modes of fatty acid assimilation. These greatly influence the outcome of diet estimation, for example, algal and bacterial diets are likely underestimated due to high metabolic turnover rates. The application of QFASA in soil ecosystems remains challenging. The variation in calibration coefficients and the resulting decrease in estimation deviation indicate the merit of calculating calibration coefficients from consumer signatures through linear or exponential equations. Ideally, the method should, when extended to the entire fatty acid signature, allow correct determination of consumer diets in soil food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Kühn
- Institute of BiologyEcology GroupHumboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Vanessa Henning
- Institute of BiologyEcology GroupHumboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Liliane Ruess
- Institute of BiologyEcology GroupHumboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
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3
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Broschwitz B, Prager L, Pokorny T, Ruther J. De novo biosynthesis of linoleic acid is widespread in parasitic wasps. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 107:e21788. [PMID: 33817829 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Linoleic acid (C18:2∆9,12 , LA) is an important metabolite with numerous essential functions for growth, health, and reproduction of organisms. It has long been assumed that animals lack ∆12-desaturases, the enzymes needed to produce LA from oleic acid (C18:1∆9 , OA). There is, however, increasing evidence that this is not generally true for invertebrates. In the insect order Hymenoptera, LA biosynthesis has been shown for only two parasitic wasp species of the so-called "Nasonia group," but it is unknown whether members of other taxa are also capable of synthesizing LA. Here, we demonstrate LA biosynthesis in 13 out of 14 species from six families of parasitic wasps by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis using two different stable isotope labeling techniques. Females of the studied species converted topically applied fully 13 C-labeled OA into LA and/or produced labeled LA after feeding on fully 13 C-labeled α- d-glucose. These results indicate that ∆12-desaturases are widespread in parasitic Hymenoptera and confirm previous studies demonstrating that these insects are capable of synthesizing fatty acids de novo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorena Prager
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tamara Pokorny
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Ruther
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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4
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Twining CW, Taipale SJ, Ruess L, Bec A, Martin-Creuzburg D, Kainz MJ. Stable isotopes of fatty acids: current and future perspectives for advancing trophic ecology. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190641. [PMID: 32536315 PMCID: PMC7333957 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand consumer dietary requirements and resource use across ecosystems, researchers have employed a variety of methods, including bulk stable isotope and fatty acid composition analyses. Compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) of fatty acids combines both of these tools into an even more powerful method with the capacity to broaden our understanding of food web ecology and nutritional dynamics. Here, we provide an overview of the potential that CSIA studies hold and their constraints. We first review the use of fatty acid CSIA in ecology at the natural abundance level as well as enriched physiological tracers, and highlight the unique insights that CSIA of fatty acids can provide. Next, we evaluate methodological best practices when generating and interpreting CSIA data. We then introduce three cutting-edge methods: hydrogen CSIA of fatty acids, and fatty acid isotopomer and isotopologue analyses, which are not yet widely used in ecological studies, but hold the potential to address some of the limitations of current techniques. Finally, we address future priorities in the field of CSIA including: generating more data across a wider range of taxa; lowering costs and increasing laboratory availability; working across disciplinary and methodological boundaries; and combining approaches to answer macroevolutionary questions. This article is part of the theme issue 'The next horizons for lipids as 'trophic biomarkers': evidence and significance of consumer modification of dietary fatty acids'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia W. Twining
- Limnological Institute, University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
| | - Sami J. Taipale
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Liliane Ruess
- Institute of Biology, Ecology Group, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandre Bec
- University Clermont Auvergne, 63178 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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5
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Presence or absence? Primary structure, regioselectivity and evolution of Δ12/ω3 fatty acid desaturases in nematodes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2019; 1864:1194-1205. [PMID: 31108204 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
For vertebrates, the adequate supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) by the diet, in particular ω3 long-chain PUFA, is considered essential for neural development, growth and reproduction. In contrast to aquatic ecosystems, ω3 long-chain PUFA apparently are not widely available in the terrestrial food chain. Their de novo synthesis requires the presence of Δ12 and ω3 fatty acid desaturase enzymes, which are absent in vertebrates but present, for example, in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (FAT-2 and FAT-1). This raises the question if soil-dwelling nematodes offer substantial supply of these valuable nutritional compounds in terrestrial food webs. BLAST searches in available nematode genomes revealed the existence of fat-2 like genes in almost all clade III-V species, but failed to identify orthologs in clade I-II nematodes. An additional RT-PCR screen across soil-dwelling nematode species identified six novel fat-2 like genes. Hints for the genetic basis of a ω3 (fat-1) desaturase activity was found only in selected clade IV-V species, but not in clades I to III nematodes. Fatty acid pattern analyses following a PUFA-free cultivation and enzymatic characterization of six selected fat-2 or fat-1 like desaturases in yeast confirmed the findings from the genetic approaches. Thus, in similar soil habitats, taxa exist that can synthesize ω3 long-chain PUFA (as Panagrolaimus, Mesorhabditis and Caenorhabditis) whereas others are unable to do so (Acrobeloides, Cephalobus and Oscheius). While these nematodes do not differ in trophic position or major diet, distinction in reproduction mode may have led to the observed variations in desaturase genes.
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Semmelmann F, Kabeya N, Malcicka M, Bruckmann A, Broschwitz B, Straub K, Merkl R, Monroig O, Sterner R, Ruther J, Ellers J. Functional characterisation of two Δ12-desaturases demonstrates targeted production of linoleic acid as pheromone precursor in Nasonia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.201038. [PMID: 31019064 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.201038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Insect pheromones are often derived from fatty acid metabolism. Fatty acid desaturases, enzymes introducing double bonds into fatty acids, are crucial for the biosynthesis of these chemical signals. Δ12-desaturases catalyse the biosynthesis of linoleic acid by introducing a second double bond into oleic acid, but have been identified in only a few animal species. Here, we report the functional characterisation of two Δ12-desaturases, Nvit_D12a and Nvit_D12b, from the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis. We demonstrate that Nvit_D12a is expressed in the rectal vesicle of males where they produce a linoleic acid-derived sex pheromone to attract virgin females. 13C-labelling experiments with Urolepis rufipes, a closely related species belonging to the 'Nasonia group', revealed that females, but not males, are able to synthesise linoleic acid. U. rufipes males produce an isoprenoid sex pheromone in the same gland and do not depend on linoleic acid for pheromone production. This suggests that Δ12-desaturases are common in the 'Nasonia group', but acquired a specialised function in chemical communication of those species that use linoleic acid as a pheromone precursor. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that insect Δ12-desaturases have evolved repeatedly from Δ9-desaturases in different insect taxa. Hence, insects have developed a way to produce linoleic acid independent of the omega desaturase subfamily which harbours all of the eukaryotic Δ12-desaturases known so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Semmelmann
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Naoki Kabeya
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, 113-8657 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miriama Malcicka
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid Bruckmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bastian Broschwitz
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Straub
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Merkl
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Oscar Monroig
- Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Ribera de Cabanes 12595, Spain
| | - Reinhard Sterner
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Ruther
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jacintha Ellers
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Herrera H, Barros-Parada W, Bergmann J. Linoleic acid and stearic acid are biosynthetic precursors of (7Z,10Z)-7,10-hexadecadienal, the major component of the sex pheromone of Chilecomadia valdiviana (Lepidoptera: Cossidae). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215769. [PMID: 31013309 PMCID: PMC6478319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The main pheromone compound of Chilecomadia valdiviana (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) has been recently identified as (7Z,10Z)-7,10-hexadecadienal. The biosynthesis of this pheromone compound showing attributes of both Type I and Type II lepidopteran pheromones was studied by the topical application of isotope-labeled fatty acids to the pheromone gland and subsequent analysis of the gland contents (pheromone compounds and fatty acyl compounds) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The deuterium label of D11-linoleic acid was incorporated into the pheromone compound and its putative acyl precursor (7Z,10Z)-7,10-hexadecadienoate, demonstrating that the pheromone compound is biosynthesized from linoleic acid by chain-shortening and further functional group transformation. Furthermore, the deuterium label of D3-stearic acid was also incorporated into the pheromone compound, which indicates that the pheromone can be synthesized de novo by C. valdiviana, as is the case for Type I lepidopteran pheromone compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidy Herrera
- Instituto de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Núcleo de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Estudios Interdisciplinarios, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Wilson Barros-Parada
- Escuela de Agronomía, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas y de los Alimentos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Quillota, Chile
| | - Jan Bergmann
- Instituto de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- * E-mail:
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8
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Menzel R, Geweiler D, Sass A, Simsek D, Ruess L. Nematodes as Important Source for Omega-3 Long-Chain Fatty Acids in the Soil Food Web and the Impact in Nutrition for Higher Trophic Levels. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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9
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Kabeya N, Fonseca MM, Ferrier DEK, Navarro JC, Bay LK, Francis DS, Tocher DR, Castro LFC, Monroig Ó. Genes for de novo biosynthesis of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are widespread in animals. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaar6849. [PMID: 29732410 PMCID: PMC5931762 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aar6849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine ecosystems are responsible for virtually all production of omega-3 (ω3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which are essential nutrients for vertebrates. Current consensus is that marine microbes account for this production, given their possession of key enzymes including methyl-end (or "ωx") desaturases. ωx desaturases have also been described in a small number of invertebrate animals, but their precise distribution has not been systematically explored. This study identifies 121 ωx desaturase sequences from 80 species within the Cnidaria, Rotifera, Mollusca, Annelida, and Arthropoda. Horizontal gene transfer has contributed to this hitherto unknown widespread distribution. Functional characterization of animal ωx desaturases provides evidence that multiple invertebrates have the ability to produce ω3 PUFA de novo and further biosynthesize ω3 long-chain PUFA. This finding represents a fundamental revision in our understanding of ω3 long-chain PUFA production in global food webs, by revealing that numerous widespread and abundant invertebrates have the endogenous capacity to make significant contributions beyond that coming from marine microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Kabeya
- Institute of Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK
| | - Miguel M. Fonseca
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - David E. K. Ferrier
- The Scottish Oceans Institute, Gatty Marine Laboratory, School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, East Sands, St. Andrews KY16 8LB, Scotland, UK
| | - Juan C. Navarro
- Instituto de Acuicultura Torre de la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IATS-CSIC), Ribera de Cabanes, 12595 Castellón, Spain
| | - Line K. Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - David S. Francis
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Douglas R. Tocher
- Institute of Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK
| | - L. Filipe C. Castro
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science of University of Porto (FCUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Corresponding author. (Ó.M.); (L.F.C.C.)
| | - Óscar Monroig
- Institute of Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK
- Corresponding author. (Ó.M.); (L.F.C.C.)
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Malcicka M, Visser B, Ellers J. An Evolutionary Perspective on Linoleic Acid Synthesis in Animals. Evol Biol 2017; 45:15-26. [PMID: 29497218 PMCID: PMC5816129 DOI: 10.1007/s11692-017-9436-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The diet of organisms generally provides a sufficient supply of energy and building materials for healthy growth and development, but should also contain essential nutrients. Species differ in their exogenous requirements, but it is not clear why some species are able to synthesize essential nutrients, while others are not. The unsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n-6) plays an important role in functions such as cell physiology, immunity, and reproduction, and is an essential nutrient in diverse organisms. LA is readily synthesized in bacteria, protozoa and plants, but it was long thought that all animals lacked the ability to synthesize LA de novo and thus required a dietary source of this fatty acid. Over the years, however, an increasing number of studies have shown active LA synthesis in animals, including insects, nematodes and pulmonates. Despite continued interest in LA metabolism, it has remained unclear why some organisms can synthesize LA while others cannot. Here, we review the mechanisms by which LA is synthesized and which biological functions LA supports in different organisms to answer the question why LA synthesis was lost and repeatedly gained during the evolution of distinct invertebrate groups. We propose several hypotheses and compile data from the available literature to identify which factors promote LA synthesis within a phylogenetic framework. We have not found a clear link between our proposed hypotheses and LA synthesis; therefore we suggest that LA synthesis may be facilitated through bifunctionality of desaturase enzymes or evolved through a combination of different selective pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriama Malcicka
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Section Animal Ecology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bertanne Visser
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics Group, Biodiversity Research Centre, Earth and Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-5, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jacintha Ellers
- Department of Ecological Sciences, Section Animal Ecology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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