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| Author(s): |
Basil Minder
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Master's Dissertation |
| Press: | São Paulo. |
| Institution: | Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Biociências (IBIOC/SB) |
| Defense date: | 2024-05-02 |
| Examining board members: |
Taran Grant;
Alan Cesar Pilon;
Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
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| Advisor: | Taran Grant; Norberto Peporine Lopes |
| Abstract | |
This thesis presents a comprehensive study on the biochemical pathways of alkaloid modification in Adel- phobates galactonotus, a species renowned for its unique ability to modify ingested alkaloids, specifically the hydroxylation of pumiliotoxin PTX (+)-251D into allopumiliotoxin aPTX (+)-267A. The study employs a multifaceted methodological approach, integrating solid-phase extraction (SPE) for alkaloid purification and including gas-phase fragmentation reactions in advanced electrospray ionization tandem mass spec- trometry (ESI-MS/MS) for structural analysis and a detailed examination of metabolic processing within various organs. Two core experiments were conducted to investigate the organs involved in the hydroxyla- tion process and to elucidate the translocation patterns of these alkaloids within poison frogs. The findings reveal significant insights into the metabolic pathways engaged in alkaloid metabolism, highlighting the liver and skins crucial roles in the rapid absorption and transformation of these compounds, as well as the fat bodies as site of absorption. By mapping the translocation patterns of these alkaloids this research advances our understanding of anuran chemical defense mechanisms, providing novel perspectives on the evolutionary adaptations that facilitates sequestration and modification of alkaloids. The outcomes not only contribute to the field of herpetology and biochemistry but also offer potential implications for pharma- cological research. This thesis underscores the complexity of chemical defense strategies in poison frogs, paving the way for future investigations into the ecological and evolutionary significance of alkaloid modi- fication. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 21/03515-8 - Hydroxylation of PTX (+)-251D in Adelphobates galactonotus |
| Grantee: | Basil Minder |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |