Biosynthesis of Methylketones and 2-Alkany l Acetates

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This research will determine the optimal conditions, the active subcellular fraction(s), and whether and elongation of chain- shortening pathway is responsible for biosynthesis of medium chain- length methylketones and 2-alkanyl acetates in Drosophila. The specificity of key enzymes at branch points in the pathways are determined using a series of radiolabeled and heavy-atom labeled specific saturated and unsaturated putative precursors. The possibility exists that intermediates in the biosynthesis pathway are identified during the investigation giving additional detail to the pathway. The results are critical to subsequent isolation and further characterization of the enzymes involved in the unique steps of biosynthesis of these methylketones and 2-alkanyl acetates. Appropriate assays for each enzyme in the pathway will allow for investigations of potentially conserved pathways in other insects and plants, potential regulation, molecular biology and subsequent genetic analysis of medium chain-length methylketone and 2-alkanyl acetate biosynthesis. %%% This research will elucidate steps in the synthetic pathways of insect pheromones and allomones, compounds that are vital in insect communications. Four species of fruit flies will be used as model systems. These communication compounds have proven useful in integrated pest management. Understanding their synthesis may lead to the development of additional insect control strategies.