δ2-cis-hexadecenoic acid

One of the first organisms in which quorum sensing was observed were Myxobacteria, a group of gram-negative bacteria, found mainly in soil and also common to marine and freshwater systems. The cellular membranes of autotrophic bacteria contain mono-unsaturated fatty acids. The specific composition and abundance of membrane fatty acids can be used to identify specific genera of bacterial populations in natural environments (e.g., mining lakes, etc.). δ2-cis-Hexadecenoic acid is an unusual fatty acid unique to some Myxococcus species.

Cismonoenoic acids form readily from unsaturated fatty acids in animal tissues, with palmitoleic acid (9-cis-hexadecenoic acid) deriving from palmitic acid. An intermediate, 1Δ2-trans-hexadecenoic acid, arises during the β-oxidation of palmitic acid. Furthermore, Δ2-trans-hexadecenoic acid, at a dose of 10 mg/kg, significantly reduces gastric juice secretion in pylorus-ligated rats, indicating potential for gastric ulceration simulation models.