2009/05/05 by Daisuke Uemura, Masaki Kita, Hirokazu Arimoto +1 · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Chemistry · Earth and Planetary Sciences · Environmental Science · #Biology #Chemical ecology #Chemistry #Coral #Creatures #Ecology #Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology #Marine Sponges and Natural Products #Marine Toxins and Detection Methods #Natural (archaeology)
paper · pdf · doi:10.1351/pac-con-08-08-12
openalex publication_date 2009/05/05 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/09
Abstract The discovery of new ecologically active compounds often triggers the development of basic scientific concepts in the field of biological sciences, since such compounds have direct physiological and behavioral effects on other living organisms. We have focused on the identification of natural key compounds that control biologically and physiologically intriguing phenomena. We describe three recent aspects of chemical ecology that we have investigated: natural toxins, coral communities, and symbiotic relationships. Blarina toxin (BLTX) is a lethal mammalian venom that was isolated from the short-tailed shrew. Duck-billed platypus venom shows potent Ca2+ influx in neuroblastoma cells. The venom of the solitary wasp contains arginine kinase-like protein and is used to paralyze its prey to feed its larva. The ecological behaviors of corals are controlled by combinations of small molecules. The polyol compound symbiodinolide may serve as a defense substance for symbiotic dinoflagellates to prevent digestion of their host animals. These compounds reveal the wonder of nature, in both terrestrial and marine ecological systems.