抄録
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids （LC-PUFAs） including eicosapentaenoic acid （EPA） and arachidonic acid are important macronutrients for the development and homeostasis of vertebrates. In aquatic ecosystems, LC-PUFAs are produced by aquatic microorganisms such as microalgae. However, LC-PUFA producers in terrestrial ecosystems have been largely unknown. We analyzed fatty acid biosynthesis
pathways in hexapods including insects, and revealed that springtails （Collembola）, one of the non-insect basal hexapod lineages, can synthesize LC-PUFAs through their unique enzymes. Springtails are 'terrestrial plankton' distributed in soil and litter, and may represent an important source of EPA supply in terrestrial food webs. In this review, I will introduce our recent research findings and discuss the evolutionary
transitions of LC-PUFA biosynthesis pathways in hexapods, the functions of LCPUFAs in springtails, and the importance of springtail-derived LC-PUFA in food webs.
