Complex small-molecule architectures regulate phenotypic plasticity in a nematode.

ABSTRACT: Chemistry the worm's way: The nematode Pristionchus pacificus constructs elaborate small molecules from modified building blocks of primary metabolism, including an unusual xylopyranose-based nucleoside (see scheme). These compounds act as signaling molecules to control adult phenotypic plasticity and dauer development and provide examples of modular generation of structural diversity in metazoans.

SUBMITTER: Bose N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3733369 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature