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Beach DG, Zamlynny L, MacArthur M, Miles CO. Liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry of anatoxins, including new conjugates and reduction products. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:5281-5296. [PMID: 37507466 PMCID: PMC10444699 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04836-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Anatoxins (ATXs) are a potent class of cyanobacterial neurotoxins for which only a handful of structural analogues have been well characterized. Here, we report the development of an LC-HRMS/MS method for the comprehensive detection of ATXs. Application of this method to samples of benthic cyanobacterial mats and laboratory cultures showed detection of several new ATXs. Many of these result from nucleophilic addition to the olefinic bond of the α,β-unsaturated ketone functional group of anatoxin-a (ATX) and homoanatoxin-a (hATX), analogous to the conjugation chemistry of microcystins, which contain similar α,β-unsaturated amide functionality. Conjugates with glutathione, γ-glutamylcysteine, methanethiol, ammonia, methanol and water were detected, as well as putative C-10 alcohol derivatives. Structural confirmation was obtained by simple and selective analytical-scale semisynthetic reactions starting from available ATX standards. Methanol, water and ammonia conjugates were found to result primarily from sample preparation. Reduction products were found to result from enzymatic reactions occurring primarily after cell lysis in laboratory cultures of Kamptonema formosum and Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi. The relative contributions of the identified analogues to the anatoxin profiles in a set of 22 benthic-cyanobacterial-mat field samples were estimated, showing conjugates to account for up to 15% of total ATX peak area and 10-hydroxyanatoxins up to 38%. The developed methodology, new analogues and insight into the chemical and enzymatic reactivity of ATXs will enable a more comprehensive study of the class than possible previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Beach
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford St., Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Lydia Zamlynny
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford St., Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Melanie MacArthur
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford St., Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Christopher O Miles
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford St., Halifax, NS, Canada
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2
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Valadez-Cano C, Reyes-Prieto A, Beach DG, Rafuse C, McCarron P, Lawrence J. Genomic characterization of coexisting anatoxin-producing and non-toxigenic Microcoleus subspecies in benthic mats from the Wolastoq, New Brunswick, Canada. HARMFUL ALGAE 2023; 124:102405. [PMID: 37164558 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The presence of toxigenic benthic cyanobacteria in riverine ecosystems is an increasing concern around the world. In 2018, the death of three dogs along the Wolastoq (also known as the Saint John River) in New Brunswick, Canada, was attributed to anatoxin exposure after they ingested benthic microbial mats found along the shore. Here, we shotgun sequenced the DNA of 15 non-axenic cyanobacterial isolates derived from four anatoxin-containing benthic mat samples associated with the dog deaths. Anatoxins were produced by some of the isolates, but not all. We retrieved near-complete Microcoleus metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from the isolates that are closely related to anatoxin-producing Microcoleus from the Cardrona River (New Zealand), although the Microcoleus MAGs from the Wolastoq varied in the presence/absence of the anatoxin-a biosynthesis cluster. Sequence similarity at the genomic level suggests that toxigenic and non-toxigenic Microcoleus MAGs from the Wolastoq belong to the same species but are separate subspecies. The toxigenic and nontoxic Wolastoq Microcoleus subspecies coexisted in the mat samples in similar relative abundance. Overall genomic comparisons revealed that toxigenic Microcoleus MAGs are longer and code for more accessory genes than their non-toxigenic relatives, suggesting a differential responsiveness to changing environments, stress conditions and nutrient availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilio Valadez-Cano
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, 10 Bailey Drive, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Adrian Reyes-Prieto
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, 10 Bailey Drive, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Daniel G Beach
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Cheryl Rafuse
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Pearse McCarron
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Janice Lawrence
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, 10 Bailey Drive, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3, Canada.
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Weiss MB, Médice RV, Jacinavicius FR, Pinto E, Crnkovic CM. Metabolomics Applied to Cyanobacterial Toxins and Natural Products. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1439:21-49. [PMID: 37843804 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-41741-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The biological and chemical diversity of Cyanobacteria is remarkable. These ancient prokaryotes are widespread in nature and can be found in virtually every habitat on Earth where there is light and water. They are producers of an array of secondary metabolites with important ecological roles, toxic effects, and biotechnological applications. The investigation of cyanobacterial metabolites has benefited from advances in analytical tools and bioinformatics that are employed in metabolomic analyses. In this chapter, we review selected articles highlighting the use of targeted and untargeted metabolomics in the analyses of secondary metabolites produced by cyanobacteria. Here, cyanobacterial secondary metabolites have been didactically divided into toxins and natural products according to their relevance to toxicological studies and drug discovery, respectively. This review illustrates how metabolomics has improved the chemical analysis of cyanobacteria in terms of speed, sensitivity, selectivity, and/or coverage, allowing for broader and more complex scientific questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcio Barczyszyn Weiss
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rhuana Valdetário Médice
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Rios Jacinavicius
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ernani Pinto
- Centre for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, Division of Tropical Ecosystem Functioning, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Camila Manoel Crnkovic
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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4
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Méjean A, Lequin O, Ploux O. Identification of 7-Deoxy-desulfo-argino-cylindrospermopsin, the Missing Piece in Cylindrospermopsin Biosynthesis. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:14627-14637. [PMID: 35916199 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c03932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cylindrospermopsin, a major cyanotoxin, is produced by freshwater cyanobacteria. Its biosynthesis starts from arginine and glycine and involves five polyketide synthases and several tailoring enzymes. We report the identification of 7-deoxy-desulfo-argino-cylindrospermopsin in several cylindrospermopsin-producing cyanobacteria using mass spectrometry experiments. We have purified this new metabolite and established its structure by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy using scalar-based 1H-1H, 1H-13C, and 1H-15N as well as 2D 1H-1H ROESY correlation experiments. Using labeled arginines in isotopic incorporation experiments, we have shown that arginine is fully incorporated into 7-deoxy-desulfo-argino-cylindrospermopsin and that the uracil ring of cylindrospermopsin originates from the guanidino moiety of arginine, thus solving a long-standing puzzling question. CyrG and CyrH from the cylindrospermopsin-producing Oscillatoria sp. PCC 6506 were overproduced in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. We showed that CyrG is a zinc-dependent hydrolase, homologous to adenosine deaminases, that transforms 7-deoxy-desulfo-argino-cylindrospermopsin into 7-deoxy-desulfo-cylindrospermopsin and ornithine, with the following kinetic parameters: KM = 0.21 ± 0.05 μM and kcat = 0.19 ± 0.02 min-1. CyrG contained 0.55 mol of zinc per mol of monomer but could be activated by FeII or CoII. CyrH contained almost no metal and showed no such activity even in the presence of excess metal. Using structure-based alignments and secondary structure predictions, we propose that the fifth and last polyketide synthase CyrF in cylindrospermopsin biosynthesis contains an unprecedented C-terminal domain homologous to N-acetyltransferases. We suggest that this domain catalyzes the condensation of the CyrF product with arginine to give 7-deoxy-desulfo-argino-cylindrospermopsin. This would be an unprecedented termination step for a polyketide synthase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annick Méjean
- LIED, UMR 8236 CNRS, Université Paris Cité, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Olivier Lequin
- Sorbonne Université, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, LBM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Ploux
- LIED, UMR 8236 CNRS, Université Paris Cité, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France.,Chimie ParisTech, PSL, 75005 Paris, France
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Abstract
Covering: 2020This review covers the literature published in 2020 for marine natural products (MNPs), with 757 citations (747 for the period January to December 2020) referring to compounds isolated from marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, green, brown and red algae, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, molluscs, tunicates, echinoderms, mangroves and other intertidal plants and microorganisms. The emphasis is on new compounds (1407 in 420 papers for 2020), together with the relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Pertinent reviews, biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that led to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included. A meta analysis of bioactivity data relating to new MNPs reported over the last five years is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Carroll
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. .,Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Brent R Copp
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rohan A Davis
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Enivironment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert A Keyzers
- Centre for Biodiscovery, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Tee HS, Wood SA, Bouma-Gregson K, Lear G, Handley KM. Genome Streamlining, Plasticity, and Metabolic Versatility Distinguish Co-occurring Toxic and Nontoxic Cyanobacterial Strains of Microcoleus. mBio 2021; 12:e0223521. [PMID: 34700377 PMCID: PMC8546630 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02235-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Harmful cyanobacterial bloom occurrences have increased worldwide due to climate change and eutrophication, causing nuisance and animal deaths. Species from the benthic cyanobacterial genus Microcoleus are ubiquitous and form thick mats in freshwater systems, such as rivers, that are sometimes toxic due to the production of potent neurotoxins (anatoxins). Anatoxin-producing (toxic) strains typically coexist with non-anatoxin-producing (nontoxic) strains in mats, although the reason for this is unclear. To determine the genetic mechanisms differentiating toxic and nontoxic Microcoleus, we sequenced and assembled genomes from 11 cultures and compared these to another 31 Microcoleus genomes. Average nucleotide identities (ANI) indicate that toxic and nontoxic strains are distinct species (ANI, <95%), and only 6% of genes are shared across all 42 genomes, suggesting a high level of genetic divergence among Microcoleus strains. Comparative genomics showed substantial genome streamlining in toxic strains and a potential dependency on external sources for thiamine and sucrose. Toxic and nontoxic strains are further differentiated by an additional set of putative nitrate transporter (nitrogen uptake) and cyanophycin (carbon and nitrogen storage) genes, respectively. These genes likely confer distinct competitive advantages based on nutrient availability and suggest nontoxic strains are more robust to nutrient fluctuations. Nontoxic strains also possess twice as many transposable elements, potentially facilitating greater genetic adaptation to environmental changes. Our results offer insights into the divergent evolution of Microcoleus strains and the potential for cooperative and competitive interactions that contribute to the co-occurrence of toxic and nontoxic species within mats. IMPORTANCE Microcoleus autumnalis, and closely related Microcoleus species, compose a geographically widespread group of freshwater benthic cyanobacteria. Canine deaths due to anatoxin-a poisoning, following exposure to toxic proliferations, have been reported globally. While Microcoleus proliferations are on the rise, the mechanisms underpinning competition between, or coexistence of, toxic and nontoxic strains are unknown. This study identifies substantial genetic differences between anatoxin-producing and non-anatoxin-producing strains, pointing to reduced metabolic flexibility in toxic strains, and potential dependence on cohabiting nontoxic strains. Results provide insights into the metabolic and evolutionary differences between toxic and nontoxic Microcoleus, which may assist in predicting and managing aquatic proliferations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwee Sze Tee
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Keith Bouma-Gregson
- U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Gavin Lear
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kim M. Handley
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Dreher TW, Davis EW, Mueller RS, Otten TG. Comparative genomics of the ADA clade within the Nostocales. HARMFUL ALGAE 2021; 104:102037. [PMID: 34023075 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2021.102037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The ADA clade of Nostocales cyanobacteria, a group that is prominent in current harmful algal bloom events, now includes over 40 genome sequences with the recent addition of sixteen novel sequenced genomes (Dreher et al., Harmful Algae, 2021). Fourteen genomes are complete (closed), enabling highly detailed assessments of gene content and genome architecture. ADA genomes contain 5 rRNA operons, genes expected to support a photoautotrophic and diazotrophic lifestyle, and a varied array of genes for the synthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites. Genes for the production of the taste-and-odor compound geosmin and the four major classes of cyanotoxins - anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin, microcystin and saxitoxin - are represented in members of the ADA clade. Notably, the gene array for the synthesis of cylindrospermopsin by Dolichospermum sp. DET69 was located on a plasmid, raising the possibility of facile horizontal transmission. However, genes supporting independent conjugative transfer of this plasmid are lacking. Further, analysis of genomic loci containing this and other cyanotoxin gene arrays shows evidence that these arrays have long-term stability and do not appear to be genomic islands easily capable of horizontal transmission to other cells. There is considerable diversity in the gene complements of individual ADA genomes, including the variable presence of physiologically important genes: genomes in three species-level subclades lack the gas vesicle genes that facilitate a planktonic lifestyle, and, surprisingly, the genome of Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi CHARLIE-1, a reported diazotroph, lacks the genes for nitrogen fixation. Notably, phylogenetically related genomes possess limited synteny, indicating a prominent role for chromosome rearrangements during ADA strain evolution. The genomes contain abundant insertion sequences and repetitive transposase genes, which could be the main drivers of genome rearrangement through active transposition and homologous recombination. No prophages were found, and no evidence of viral infection was observed in the bloom population samples from which the genomes discussed here were derived. Phages thus seem to have a limited influence on ADA evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo W Dreher
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA; Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA.
| | - Edward W Davis
- Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA
| | - Ryan S Mueller
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA
| | - Timothy G Otten
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA.
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Méjean A, Ploux O. Biosynthesis of Cylindrospermopsin in Cyanobacteria: Characterization of CyrJ the Sulfotransferase. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:408-416. [PMID: 33439646 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
7-Deoxy-desulfo-cylindrospermopsin was purified at small-scale from the supernatant of a culture of the cyanobacterium Oscillatoria sp. PCC 10702. This metabolite was obtained in a pure form using a three-step chromatographic procedure, and its identity was confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). LC-MS quantification showed that this metabolite was excreted in the culture medium of Oscillatoria sp. PCC 10702. Isotopic incorporation studies using [2-13C,15N]glycine, a cylindrospermopsin precursor, and Oscillatoria sp. PCC 10702 cells showed that glycine was incorporated into 7-deoxy-desulfo-cylindrospermopsin, 7-deoxy-cylindrospermopsin, 7-epi-cylindrospermopsin, and cylindrospermopsin. The isotopic incorporation rate was consistent with the following metabolic flux: 7-deoxy-desulfo-cylindrospermopsin → 7-deoxy-cylindrospermopsin → 7-epi-cylindrospermopsin and cylindrospermopsin. We have cloned the cyrJ gene into an expression vector and overproduced the putative sulfotransferase CyrJ in Escherichia coli. The purified protein CyrJ catalyzed, in vitro, the transfer of a sulfonate group from 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to 7-deoxy-desulfo-cylindrospermopsin to give 7-deoxy-cylindrospermopsin. Kinetic analysis afforded the following apparent constants: KM app. (PAPS) = 0.12 μM, Vmax app. = 20 nM/min, KM app. (7-deoxy-desulfo-cylindrospermopsin) = 0.12 μM, and KI app. (7-deoxy-desulfo-cylindrospermopsin) = 4.1 μM. Preliminary data suggested that CyrJ catalyzed the reaction through a ternary-complex kinetic mechanism. All these data confirmed that CyrJ catalyzed a sulfotransfer during the penultimate step of the biosynthesis of cylindrospermopsin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annick Méjean
- LIED, UMR 8236 CNRS, Université de Paris, 75205 Paris, Cedex 13, France
| | - Olivier Ploux
- LIED, UMR 8236 CNRS, Université de Paris, 75205 Paris, Cedex 13, France
- Chimie ParisTech, PSL, 75005 Paris, France
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Understanding the Differences in the Growth and Toxin Production of Anatoxin-Producing Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi Cultured with Inorganic and Organic N Sources from a New Perspective: Carbon/Nitrogen Metabolic Balance. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12110724. [PMID: 33228063 PMCID: PMC7699347 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12110724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanotoxins are the underlying cause of the threat that globally pervasive Cyanobacteria Harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) pose to humans. Major attention has been focused on the cyanobacterial hepatotoxin microcystins (MCs); however, there is a dearth of studies on cyanobacterial neurotoxin anatoxins. In this study, we explored how an anatoxin-producing Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi strain responded to culture with inorganic and organic nitrogen sources in terms of growth and anatoxins production. The results of our study revealed that ʟ- alanine could greatly boost cell growth, and was associated with the highest cell productivity, while urea significantly stimulated anatoxin production with the maximum anatoxin yield reaching 25.86 μg/mg dry weight, which was 1.56-fold higher than that in the control group (BG11). To further understand whether the carbon/nitrogen balance in C. issatschenkoi would affect anatoxin production, we explored growth and toxin production in response to different carbon/nitrogen ratios (C/N). Anatoxin production was mildly promoted when the C/N ratio was within low range, and significantly inhibited when the C/N ratio was within high range, showing approximately a three-fold difference. Furthermore, the transcriptional profile revealed that anaC gene expression was significantly up-regulated over 2–24 h when the C/N ratio was increased, and was significantly down-regulated after 96 h. Overall, our results further enriched the evidence that urea can stimulate cyanotoxin production, and ʟ-alanine could boost C. issatschenkoi proliferation, thus providing information for better management of aquatic systems. Moreover, by focusing on the intracellular C/N metabolic balance, this study explained the anatoxin production dynamics in C. issatschenkoi in response to different N sources.
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Biré R, Bertin T, Dom I, Hort V, Schmitt C, Diogène J, Lemée R, De Haro L, Nicolas M. First Evidence of the Presence of Anatoxin-A in Sea Figs Associated with Human Food Poisonings in France. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18060285. [PMID: 32485965 PMCID: PMC7344475 DOI: 10.3390/md18060285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
From January 2011 to March 2018, 26 patients aged from 20 to 80 years old reported being sick in France after eating sea figs of the genus Microcosmus. The patients had symptoms evoking a cerebellar syndrome: blurred or double vision, ataxia and dizziness, asthenia, headache, muscle cramps, paresthesia and digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea). Three of the 18 food poisoning events recorded by the Poison Control Center in Marseille and involving four patients were further investigated as the meal leftovers were collected and analyzed. A previous study ruled out the presence of the regulated lipophilic marine toxins after high-resolution mass spectrometry, but further analyses were required to look for hydrophilic cyanotoxins. The sea fig leftovers from food poisoning case Numbers 1 (January 2011), 6 (December 2012) and 17 (March 2018) of this published case series were analyzed by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to low- and high-resolution mass spectrometry to investigate the presence of hydrophilic cyanotoxins. The sea fig samples showed anatoxin-a (ATX-a) concentrations ranging from 193.7 to 1240.2 µg/kg. The sea fig control sample analyzed was also contaminated with ATX-a but in a much smaller concentration (22.5 µg/kg). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of human food poisoning involving ATX-a as the possible causative toxin where the cyanotoxin could be unequivocally identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronel Biré
- Laboratory for Food Safety, Université Paris-Est, ANSES, F-94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (T.B.); (I.D.); (V.H.); (M.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Thomas Bertin
- Laboratory for Food Safety, Université Paris-Est, ANSES, F-94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (T.B.); (I.D.); (V.H.); (M.N.)
| | - Inès Dom
- Laboratory for Food Safety, Université Paris-Est, ANSES, F-94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (T.B.); (I.D.); (V.H.); (M.N.)
| | - Vincent Hort
- Laboratory for Food Safety, Université Paris-Est, ANSES, F-94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (T.B.); (I.D.); (V.H.); (M.N.)
| | - Corinne Schmitt
- Clinical Pharmacology, Poison Control Center, St Marguerite Hospital, 13009 Marseille, France; (C.S.); (L.D.H.)
| | - Jorge Diogène
- Marine Continental Waters, IRTA, Ctra. Poble Nou, km 5.5, 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Spain;
| | - Rodolphe Lemée
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, LOV, F-06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France;
| | - Luc De Haro
- Clinical Pharmacology, Poison Control Center, St Marguerite Hospital, 13009 Marseille, France; (C.S.); (L.D.H.)
| | - Marina Nicolas
- Laboratory for Food Safety, Université Paris-Est, ANSES, F-94701 Maisons-Alfort, France; (T.B.); (I.D.); (V.H.); (M.N.)
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