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Arch Biochem Biophys

Title:		"A microsomal fatty acid synthetase from the integument of Blattella germanica synthesizes methyl-branched fatty acids, precursors to hydrocarbon and contact sex pheromone"
Author(s):		Juarez P; Chase J; Blomquist GJ;
Address:		"Department of Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Reno 89557-0014"
Journal Title:		Arch Biochem Biophys
Year:		1992
Volume:		293
Issue:		2
Page Number:		333 - 341
DOI:		10.1016/0003-9861(92)90403-j
ISSN/ISBN:		0003-9861 (Print) 0003-9861 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Methyl-branched fatty acids present in the integument of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of their methyl esters and reduction products (alkanes) as n-3-, n-4-, n-5-, n-7-, n-8-, and n-9-monomethyl fatty acids and as n-5,9-, n-3,9-, and n-3,11-dimethyl fatty acids with 16 to 20 total carbons. These fatty acids have the same branching patterns as do the major hydrocarbons of this insect, including 3,11-dimethylnonacosane, the precursor to the major contact sex pheromone, and are presumed to be intermediates in hydrocarbon formation. A novel microsomal fatty acid synthetase (FAS) located in the integument of this insect incorporated [methyl-14C]methylmalonyl-CoA into methyl-branched fatty acids as demonstrated by radio-high-performance liquid chromatography. A cytosolic FAS is also present in the integument. Both the microsomal and the soluble FAS incorporated [methyl-14C]methylmalonyl-CoA into fatty acids, but only the microsomal FAS was able to efficiently use methylmalonyl-CoA as the sole elongating agent. This is the first report of the characterization of methyl-branched fatty acids from the integument of an insect and of an integumental microsomal FAS that incorporates methylmalonyl-CoA into branched fatty acids"
Keywords:		*Acyl Coenzyme A Animals Cockroaches/chemistry/*enzymology Fatty Acid Synthases/*chemistry/isolation & purification Fatty Acids/*biosynthesis/chemistry Female Ketones/*chemistry Malonyl Coenzyme A/biosynthesis Microsomes/*enzymology Sex Attractants/*biosy;
Notes:		"MedlineJuarez, P Chase, J Blomquist, G J eng Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. 1992/03/01 Arch Biochem Biophys. 1992 Mar; 293(2):333-41. doi: 10.1016/0003-9861(92)90403-j"