Can molluscs biosynthesize typical sponge metabolites? The case of the nudibranch Doriopsilla areolata

The first study on the biosynthesis of terpenoid metabolites in the porostome nudibranch Doriopsilla areolata is described herein. The de novo origin of two different groups of bi- and tri-cyclic sesquiterpenes, exhibiting opposite A/B ring junctions, has been clearly demonstrated by in vivo incorporation of labeled mevalonate. Surprisingly, metabolites of both series have been previously reported to co-occur in a sponge of genus Dysidea, that could be included in the diet of the nudibranch.