Fishing for Targets of Alien Metabolites: A Novel Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) Agonist from a Marine Pest

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Although the chemical warfare between invasive and native species has become a central problem in invasion biology, the molecular mechanisms by which bioactive metabolites from invasive pests influence local communities remain poorly characterized. This study demonstrates that the alkaloid caulerpin (CAU)—a bioactive component of the green alga Caulerpa cylindracea that has invaded the entire Mediterranean basin—is an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Our interdisciplinary study started with the in silico prediction of the ligand-protein interaction, which was then validated by in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro assays. On the basis of these results, we candidate CAU as a causal factor of the metabolic and behavioural disorders observed in Diplodus sargus, a native edible fish of high ecological and commercial relevance, feeding on C. cylindracea. Moreover, given the considerable interest in PPAR activators for the treatment of relevant human diseases, our findings are also discussed in terms of a possible nutraceutical/pharmacological valorisation of the invasive algal biomasses, supporting an innovative strategy for conserving biodiversity as an alternative to unrealistic campaigns for the eradication of invasive pests.

Source: Marine Drugs

DOI: 10.3390/md16110431

Institutions: Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, National Research Council, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Marche Polytechnic University, Université Laval, University of Naples Federico II, University of Trieste, CoNISMa

Language: English

Topic: Marine Ecology and Invasive Species

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499

Funders: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca

Awards: G7559841634, G785175587

OpenAlex ID: W2899485458