The Comparative Biochemistry of Wax Esters

Dear Colleagues,

Lipids comprise a large group of structurally heterogeneous compounds, the majority of which include esters of fatty acids (FAs), with the largest constituents being triacylglycerols (TAGs) and wax esters (WEs). Wax esters are esters of FAs and long-chain alcohols. They have the general formula: R¹COOR², where R¹COOH is the FA and R²OH is the long-chain alcohol. The component FAs and alcohols of WEs usually have an even number of carbon atoms ranging from 10 to 36. Waxes are natural lipid mixtures containing ketones, alcohols, aldehydes, long-chain acids, and WEs, with WEs accounting for most of the lipids found in animal waxes. Wax esters are key components of arthropod exoskeletons, sebum covering the mammalian epidermis, and cutin covering the above-ground portions of terrestrial plants. These are extracellular WEs that are water-resistant and protect against pathogens. Although most eukaryotic organisms store energy primarily in the form of TAGs, some species of plants, fish, and zooplankton store energy mostly in the form of WEs inside cells. A major component of the carbon flow through marine food chains is thus WEs. This Special Issue will explore the biochemistry of naturally occurring WEs that have antimicrobial, energy storage, and/or water-resistant functions in a variety of species ranging from bacteria to mammals.

Dr. Craig Frank
Guest Editor

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