Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 31 (2001) 105–106
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Book review
Eicosanoids in Invertebrate Signal Transduction Sys-tems;
D.W. Stanley; Princeton University Press, 277 pages.
The remarkable advances in eicosanoid research over the past thirty years have had a profound impact on biomedical research and the pharmaceutical industry. Less well appreciated, however, is the steady progress and gains achieved in our understanding of invertebrate eicosanoid biology. The present treatise successfully bridges this chasm and presents a logically organized, cleverly written monograph that is easy to read. Stan-ley’s efforts have achieved three main goals. First, he provides workers in the area of invertebrate biology a reference text with a wealth of detailed historical and factual information on eicosanoid structure, biosynthesis, and physiology. Second, he has successfully integrated an expanding literature on a wide array of invertebrate species into a manageable and coherent set of chapters that span a broad scope of interest. Third, Stanley has brought much needed attention and recognition to the study of invertebrate eicosanoid biology. As he rightly points out in the text, research on eicosanoids has been conducted primarily on mammalian model systems within a relatively narrow biomedical context. While this is not intrinsically negative, it has resulted in less appreciation of oftentimes unique and original findings among invertebrates.
Rather than beginning his work with a narrow view of invertebrate eicosanoid research, Stanley reaches out in the first chapter and embraces the broad view, dealing with general aspects of the theory and significance of eicosanoids. By so doing Stanley provides the reader with background and perspective as he maneuvers from a broad based discussion to specific details of individual systems. Chapter two, which describes the mammalian model of eicosanoid biosynthesis, lays the foundation upon which Stanley builds his story. From this well-defined reference point, Stanley embarks on a beautifully developed description of key milestones in research on polyunsaturated fatty acids. In Chapter three, Stanley weaves a story of research intrigue and discovery that ultimately challenged traditional scientific dogma and forever changed the commonly held paradigm of essen-tial fatty acid biosynthesis. This work beckons the reader
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to think critically about the diversity of nature and, in particular, insects.
Following chapters that detail the role and function of eicosanoids in reproductive biology, invertebrate immunity and ion transport physiology, Stanley accepts the important task of defining future and emerging research concepts in the eicosanoid field. Toward this end, he captures the essence of new and developing con-cepts in invertebrate eicosanoid research. This is well illustrated in Chapter 7 in his discussion of eicosanoid action on thermoregulation and developmental biology. Perhaps less well appreciated by researchers focused on mammalian eicosanoid research is the role of eicosano-ids in chemical ecology. Stanley presents compelling argument that this represents an important new research front that awaits discoveries that will expand our appreciation of animal biology in general. The passage on ticks represents a well thought out description and summary of key findings on this interesting system that is relevant to studies of host–parasite relationships.
In Chapter 9 Stanley poses a set of fundamental ques-tions of profound significance facing present and future research on eicosanoid biology. He successfully melds work on invertebrate systems with their mammalian counterparts, effectively pointing out distinctions and parallels. It is evident from this discussion that a vast frontier of exciting research opportunity awaits researchers in this arena. The application of molecular biology techniques to study of enzymes of eicosanoid biosynthesis and metabolism provides a useful model for future investigation.
Overall the book is well organized, with extensive and complete references, a subject index as well as a taxo-nomic index. Stanley has made a valuable contribution that will undoubtedly foster new research and inquiry. This book clearly represents a contribution that will prove useful and informative to students and scholars with an interest in invertebrate physiology. On the other hand, this text also provides a much needed and essential reference for the ever-expanding number of researchers involved directly in invertebrate eicosanoid research. Given the author’s well developed writing skill and the wealth of information contained in the volume, it is very likely that this work will ultimately spawn a new appreciation of existing and future research on invert-ebrate eicosanoid physiology and biochemistry.
106 Book review / Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 31 (2001) 105–106
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