A hybrid polyketide–nonribosomal peptide in nematodes that promotes larval survival
August 8th, 2016 by Qingyao Shou
Nature Chemical Biology 12, 770 (2016). doi:10.1038/nchembio.2144
Authors: Qingyao Shou, Likui Feng, Yaoling Long, Jungsoo Han, Joshawna K Nunnery, David H Powell & Rebecca A Butcher
Polyketides and nonribosomal peptides are two important types of natural products that are produced by many species of bacteria and fungi but are exceedingly rare in metazoans. Here, we elucidate the structure of a hybrid polyketide–nonribosomal peptide from Caenorhabditis elegans that is produced in the canal-associated neurons (CANs) and promotes survival during starvation-induced larval arrest. Our results uncover a novel mechanism by which animals respond to nutrient fluctuations to extend survival.