The Terpenoid Alkaloids of Colobognath Millipedes: Insights into Structural Diversity and Function

TL;DR

This paper reviews the unique terpenoid alkaloids in Colobognatha millipedes, their social traits, and recent discoveries about their chemical diversity and function.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of newly discovered terpenoid alkaloids and their ecological roles in Colobognatha millipedes.

Findings

Colobognatha millipedes are unique in producing terpenoid alkaloids.

Recent studies have identified many new terpenoid alkaloids and explored their bioactivity.

The paper highlights gaps in research and suggests future directions for studying these compounds.

Abstract

Colobognatha, a group of millipedes (Diplopoda) known
for their
unique biological traits (e.g., brood care and sociality),
is the only group among millipedes to produce terpenoid alkaloids.
Before 2020, only four terpenoid alkaloids had been identified; however,
recent studies have resulted in a surge of new chemical discoveries
and research into their ecological and biochemical roles. In this
review, we outline the social characteristics of Colobognatha, the
chemical investigations of their defensive secretions, and the bioactivity
of the terpenoid alkaloids with a particular emphasis on new findings.
We conclude by summarizing gaps in the research on these chemicals
and provide insights into future research directions.

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