trans-2-Decenoic acid

trans-2-Decenoic acid is an unsaturated short chain fatty acid that is secreted by S. mutans. It is a novel interkingdom-signaling molecule (from a Gram-positive organism) that inhibits hyphal formation of the dimorphic fungus C. albicans by blocking the yeast-to-hyphal morphological transition. It might play a critical role in regulating the disintegration of aerobic granules. As in other parts of the body, Streptococci and Candida coexist in the mouth and compete for the same substrate. In a mixed species environment such as the oral cavity the quantitative and qualitative nature of the bacteria modulates the biofilm formation of C. albicans. trans-2-Decenoic acid is structurally similar to undecylenic acid, the active ingredient of Desenex, a widely used antifungal agent. In addition, trans-2-Decenoic acid inhibited the luciferase reporter activity and therefore the bioluminescence of the Gram-negative marine bacteria Vibrio harveyi. trans-2-Decenoic acid is found in royal jelly produced from the hypopharyngeal and mandibular gland secretions of honeybees. Demonstrates weak estrogenic activity, inhibiting binding of 17β-estradiol to estrogen receptor β.