1
|
Möllerke A, Brasse G, Bello J, Vidal DM, Dettner K, Zettel J, Berg MP, Scheu S, Leinaas HP, Schulz S. The unique epicuticular chemistry of Collembola - A cross-species analysis. iScience 2024; 27:110416. [PMID: 39139403 PMCID: PMC11321324 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Springtails (Collembola), tiny hexapod arthropods, are abundant in the soil of most ecosystems, but our knowledge of their secondary metabolites is limited, in contrast to that of insects. In insects, the outer cuticle is usually covered by mixtures of long-chain hydrocarbons serving different functions, such as water regulation or chemical communication. In contrast, the knowledge of the epicuticular chemistry of springtails is scarce. We analyzed the cuticular lipids of 23 species covering different lineages. The often complicated structures were elucidated using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, microderivatization, and synthesis. In contrast to insects, the terpene biosynthetic pathway is used for many of these lipids, producing unprecedented higher terpenes. In addition, evidence for de novo cholesterol biosynthesis in springtails was found, which is absent in insects. Finally, diverse non-insect linear compounds originating from the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway were identified. Our comparative analysis showed clear differences compared to insects and shed light on phylogenetic relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton Möllerke
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Gregor Brasse
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jan Bello
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Diogo Montes Vidal
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Konrad Dettner
- Universität Bayreuth, Lehrstuhl für Tierökologie 2, Universitätsstraße 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Jürg Zettel
- Speichergasse 8, 3150 Schwarzenburg, Switzerland
| | - Matty P. Berg
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Institute of Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Scheu
- University of Göttingen, JFB Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
- University of Göttingen, Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hans Petter Leinaas
- University of Oslo, Department of Bioscience University of Oslo, P.O.Box 1066 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Möllerke A, Schulz S. Nitidane: An Irregular Prenylated Diterpene from the Cuticle of the Springtail Heteromurus nitidus. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:1454-1458. [PMID: 38668715 PMCID: PMC11129290 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.4c00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Collembola are closely related to insects, but our knowledge of their often unique chemistry is limited. Here we report the identification of the epicuticular lipid nitidane, representing a novel class of epicuticular lipids. Nitidane (4) is an irregular terpene consisting of seven isoprene units, made up of a diterpene core that is modified by a geranyl moiety that is itself prenylated. The observed [46+(22+11)1]-terpene structure has not been reported before.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton Möllerke
- TU Braunschweig, Institute of Organic
Chemistry, Hagenring
30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- TU Braunschweig, Institute of Organic
Chemistry, Hagenring
30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Santos GKN, Navarro DMDAF, Maia ACD. Cuticular lipid profiles of selected species of cyclocephaline beetles (Melolonthidae, Cyclocephalini). BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 114:124-133. [PMID: 38268108 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485323000664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Neotropical cyclocephaline beetles, a diverse group of flower-loving insects, significantly impact natural and agricultural ecosystems. In particular, the genus Cyclocephala, with over 350 species, displays polymorphism and cryptic complexes. Lacking a comprehensive DNA barcoding framework, accessible tools for species differentiation are needed for research in taxonomy, ecology, and crop management. Moreover, cuticular hydrocarbons are believed to be involved in sexual recognition mechanisms in these beetles. In the present study we examined the cuticular chemical profiles of six species from the genus Cyclocephala and two populations of Erioscelis emarginata and assessed their efficiency in population, species, and sex differentiation. Overall we identified 74 compounds in cuticular extracts of the selected taxa. Linear alkanes and unsaturated hydrocarbons were prominent, with ten compounds between them explaining 85.6% of species dissimilarity. Although the cuticular chemical profiles efficiently differentiated all investigated taxa, only C. ohausiana showed significant cuticular profile differences between sexes. Our analysis also revealed two E. emarginata clades within a larger group of 'Cyclocephala' species, but they were not aligned with the two studied populations. Our research underscores the significance of cuticular lipid profiles in distinguishing selected cyclocephaline beetle species and contemplates their potential impact as contact pheromones on sexual segregation and speciation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geanne Karla N Santos
- Secretaria Executiva de Meio Ambiente de Paulista (SEMA), Prefeitura Municipal do Paulista, Paulista, 53401-441, Brazil
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, 50740-560, Brazil
| | - Daniela Maria do Amaral F Navarro
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, 50740-560, Brazil
| | - Artur Campos D Maia
- Department of Zoology, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife PE, 50670-901, Brazil
- Laboratory of Sciences for the Environment, University of Corsica, UMR 6134 SPE, Ajaccio, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ehlers S, Blow R, Szczerbowski D, Jiggins C, Schulz S. Variation of Clasper Scent Gland Composition of Heliconius Butterflies from a Biodiversity Hotspot. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300537. [PMID: 37650217 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Male Heliconius butterflies possess two pheromone emitting structures, wing androconia and abdominal clasper scent glands. The composition of the clasper scent gland of males of 17 Heliconius and Eueides species from an overlapping area in Ecuador, comprising three mimicry groups, was investigated by GC/MS. The chemical signal serves as an anti-aphrodisiac signal that is transferred from males to females during mating, indicating the mating status of the female to prevent them from harassment by other males. In addition, the odour may also serve in predator defence. There is potential for convergence driven by mimicry, although, such convergence might be detrimental for species recognition of the butterflies within the mimicry ring, making mating more difficult. More than 500 compounds were detected, consisting of volatile, semi-volatile or non-volatile compounds, including terpenes, fatty acid esters or aromatic compounds. Several novel esters were identified by GC/MS and GC/IR data, microderivatisation and synthesis, including butyl (Z)-3-dodecenoate and other (Z)-3-alkenoates, 3-oxohexyl citronellate and 5-methylhexa-3,5-dienyl (E)-2,3-dihydrofarnesoate. The secretions were found to be species specific, potentially allowing for species differentiation. Statistical analysis of the compounds showed differentiation by phylogenetic clade and species, but not by mimicry group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Ehlers
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rachel Blow
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daiane Szczerbowski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Chris Jiggins
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ladwig A, Kroll M, Schulz S. Identification and determination of the absolute configuration of amorph-4-en-10β-ol, a cadinol-type sesquiterpene from the scent glands of the African reed frog Hyperolius cinnamomeoventris. Beilstein J Org Chem 2023; 19:167-175. [PMID: 36814452 PMCID: PMC9940504 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.19.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperolid reed frogs are one of the few families of Anurans known to possess glands that emit volatile compounds used in chemical communication. Hyperolius cinnamomeoventris, a model species, possesses a gular gland on its vocal sac that emits chemicals, and sends visual and auditory signals during calling. Previous investigations have shown that the glandular compounds are typically macrocyclic lactones. However, in this work, we show that another major constituent of the male specific gland is (10R,1S,6R,7R,10R)-amorph-4-ene-10β-ol [(1R,4R,4aR,8aS)-4-isopropyl-1,6-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,4a,7,8,8a-octahydronaphthalen-1-ol]. This compound was synthesized for the first time and has the opposite configuration to amorph-4-ene-10β-ol known from plants. A short synthesis using an organocatalytic approach through a tandem Mannich/intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction led to a mixture of cadinols, which was used for the assignment of the natural cadinol structures and their stereoisomers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelique Ladwig
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Markus Kroll
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Eisen KE, Powers JM, Raguso RA, Campbell DR. An analytical pipeline to support robust research on the ecology, evolution, and function of floral volatiles. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1006416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on floral volatiles has grown substantially in the last 20 years, which has generated insights into their diversity and prevalence. These studies have paved the way for new research that explores the evolutionary origins and ecological consequences of different types of variation in floral scent, including community-level, functional, and environmentally induced variation. However, to address these types of questions, novel approaches are needed that can handle large sample sizes, provide quality control measures, and make volatile research more transparent and accessible, particularly for scientists without prior experience in this field. Drawing upon a literature review and our own experiences, we present a set of best practices for next-generation research in floral scent. We outline methods for data collection (experimental designs, methods for conducting field collections, analytical chemistry, compound identification) and data analysis (statistical analysis, database integration) that will facilitate the generation and interpretation of quality data. For the intermediate step of data processing, we created the R package bouquet, which provides a data analysis pipeline. The package contains functions that enable users to convert chromatographic peak integrations to a filtered data table that can be used in subsequent statistical analyses. This package includes default settings for filtering out non-floral compounds, including background contamination, based on our best-practice guidelines, but functions and workflows can be easily customized as necessary. Next-generation research into the ecology and evolution of floral scent has the potential to generate broadly relevant insights into how complex traits evolve, their genomic architecture, and their consequences for ecological interactions. In order to fulfill this potential, the methodology of floral scent studies needs to become more transparent and reproducible. By outlining best practices throughout the lifecycle of a project, from experimental design to statistical analysis, and providing an R package that standardizes the data processing pipeline, we provide a resource for new and seasoned researchers in this field and in adjacent fields, where high-throughput and multi-dimensional datasets are common.
Collapse
|