Themed collection Chemical Ecology
Editorial: Chemical Ecology
Stefan Schulz, Julia Kubanek and Joern Piel introduce the Natural Product Reports themed issue on ‘Chemical ecology’.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 886-887
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NP90027A
Animals in a bacterial world: opportunities for chemical ecology
In this Viewpoints article we examine the roles of bacterially produced small molecules in animal defense, development and evolution.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 888-892
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4NP00141A
Improving our chemistry: challenges and opportunities in the interdisciplinary study of floral volatiles
Here we review next-generation questions in the study of plant–pollinator interactions mediated by floral volatiles, and the potential for renewed collaboration between biologists and chemists in answering such questions.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 893-903
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4NP00159A
Chemical signals in terrestrial vertebrates: search for design features
We review current information on intraspecific chemical signals and search for patterns in signal chemistry among modern terrestrial vertebrates (Amniota), including tortoises, squamate reptiles (amphisbaenians, lizards, and snakes), birds, and mammals.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 1131-1153
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NP00029G
Combinatorial chemistry in nematodes: modular assembly of primary metabolism-derived building blocks
Nematodes are amazingly skilled chemists: using simple building blocks from conserved primary metabolism and a strategy of modular assembly, C. elegans and other nematode species create complex molecular architectures to regulate their development and behaviour.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 994-1006
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NP00042D
Chemical ecology of fungi
This review intends to cover the chemistry of important interactions between fungi and other organisms, ranging from chemical defence against enemies to symbiotic and parasitic interactions.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 971-993
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4NP00166D
Natural products in soil microbe interactions and evolution
Gram positive bacteria from the soil have historically been a deep source of useful natural products. This article considers how natural products may mediate microbial interactions in the soil environment.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 956-970
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NP00013K
The use of the lactone motif in chemical communication
The current knowledge of the lactone motif will be described, concentrating on the structure, chemistry, function, biosynthesis and synthesis of such compounds.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 1042-1066
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NP00006H
Metabolomics in chemical ecology
Metabolomics has emerged as powerful tool in the elucidation of natural products as mediators of organismal interactions. This review comprehensively highlights successful applications and perspectives of metabolomics in chemical ecology.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 937-955
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NP00003C
Defensive symbioses of animals with prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms
Many organisms team up with symbiotic microbes for defense against predators, parasites, parasitoids, or pathogens. Here we review the known defensive symbioses in animals and the microbial secondary metabolites responsible for providing protection to the host.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 904-936
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NP00010F
Chiral methyl-branched pheromones
A large number of chiral methyl-branched pheromones have been identified reflecting the diversity of insect species. This review deals with mainly non-terpene compounds, highlighting studies on the identification, stereoselective synthesis, and biosynthesis carried out this century.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 1007-1041
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4NP00138A
Chemistry of the pheromones of mealybug and scale insects
This article comprehensively reviews the syntheses of all known sex pheromones of scales and mealybugs, describes how they were identified, and how the synthetic pheromones are used in insect management.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 1067-1113
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4NP00143E
Natural products mediating ecological interactions in Antarctic benthic communities: a mini-review of the known molecules
The extreme, unique seas surrounding Antarctica harbor unusual communities where interactions are highly mediated by chemistry. This mini-review compiles the identified marine natural products proven to have an ecological role in Antarctic ecosystems.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 1114-1130
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4NP00150H
Marine chemical ecology in benthic environments
This review covers the recent marine chemical ecology literature for benthic bacteria and cyanobacteria, macroalgae, sponges, cnidarians, molluscs, other benthic invertebrates, and fish.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2014,31, 1510-1553
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4NP00017J
Chemical ecology of the marine plankton
A review on chemically mediated ecological interactions in marine pelagic environments, including predator–prey, competitive, and intraspecific interactions as well as ecosystem level effects of plankton chemical cues. This review covers 65 research articles reporting new results from October 2010 to December 2012 (inclusive).
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2013,30, 1364-1379
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3NP70056A
About this collection
Natural Product Reports is delighted to present a themed issue dedicated to Chemical Ecology. Guest-edited by Professors Stefan Schulz, Julia Kubanek and Joern Piel, the collection features contributions from leaders in the field and highlights the impressively diverse roles natural products play in numerous ecological systems.