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Wan X, Yao G, Wang K, Bao S, Han P, Wang F, Song T, Jiang H. Transcriptomic analysis of polyketide synthesis in dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum lima. HARMFUL ALGAE 2023; 123:102391. [PMID: 36894212 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The benthic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima is among the most common toxic morphospecies with a cosmopolitan distribution. P. lima can produce polyketide compounds, such as okadaic acid (OA), dinophysistoxin (DTX) and their analogues, which are responsible for diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP). Studying the molecular mechanism of DSP toxin biosynthesis is crucial for understanding the environmental driver influencing toxin biosynthesis as well as for better monitoring of marine ecosystems. Commonly, polyketides are produced by polyketide synthases (PKS). However, no gene has been confirmatively assigned to DSP toxin production. Here, we assembled a transcriptome from 94,730,858 Illumina RNAseq reads using Trinity, resulting in 147,527 unigenes with average sequence length of 1035 nt. Using bioinformatics analysis methods, we found 210 unigenes encoding single-domain PKS with sequence similarity to type I PKSs, as reported in other dinoflagellates. In addition, 15 transcripts encoding multi-domain PKS (forming typical type I PKSs modules) and 5 transcripts encoding hybrid nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS)/PKS were found. Using comparative transcriptome and differential expression analysis, a total of 16 PKS genes were identified to be up-regulated in phosphorus-limited cultures, which was related to the up regulation of toxin expression. In concert with other recent transcriptome analyses, this study contributes to the building consensus that dinoflagellates may utilize a combination of Type I multi-domain and single-domain PKS proteins, in an as yet undefined manner, to synthesize polyketides. Our study provides valuable genomic resource for future research in order to understand the complex mechanism of toxin production in this dinoflagellate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiukun Wan
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Ge Yao
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Kang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Shaoheng Bao
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Penggang Han
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Fuli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Tianyu Song
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China.
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Hwang J, Kang HW, Moon SJ, Hyung JH, Lee ES, Park J. Metagenomic Analysis of the Species Composition and Seasonal Distribution of Marine Dinoflagellate Communities in Four Korean Coastal Regions. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071459. [PMID: 35889179 PMCID: PMC9320301 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomonitoring of dinoflagellate communities in marine ecosystems is essential for efficient water quality management and limiting ecosystem disturbances. Current identification and monitoring of toxic dinoflagellates, which cause harmful algal blooms, primarily involves light or scanning electron microscopy; however, these techniques are limited in their ability to monitor dinoflagellates and plankton, leaving an incomplete analysis. In this study, we analyzed the species composition and seasonal distribution of the dinoflagellate communities in four Korean coastal regions using 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The results showed significantly high diversity in the dinoflagellate communities in all regions and seasons. Furthermore, we found seasonally dominant species and causative species of harmful algal blooms (Cochlodinium sp., Alexandrium sp., Dinophysis sp., and Gymnodinium sp.). Moreover, dominant species were classified by region and season according to the difference in geographical and environmental parameters. The molecular analysis of the dinoflagellate community based on metagenomics revealed more diverse species compositions that could not be identified by microscopy and revealed potentially harmful or recently introduced dinoflagellate species. In conclusion, metagenomic analysis of dinoflagellate communities was more precise and obtained results faster than microscopic analysis, and could improve the existing monitoring techniques for community analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinik Hwang
- West Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Incheon 22383, Korea; (J.H.); (H.W.K.)
| | - Hee Woong Kang
- West Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Incheon 22383, Korea; (J.H.); (H.W.K.)
| | - Seung Joo Moon
- Environment and Resource Convergence Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Suwon 16229, Korea; (S.J.M.); (J.-H.H.); (E.S.L.)
| | - Jun-Ho Hyung
- Environment and Resource Convergence Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Suwon 16229, Korea; (S.J.M.); (J.-H.H.); (E.S.L.)
| | - Eun Sun Lee
- Environment and Resource Convergence Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Suwon 16229, Korea; (S.J.M.); (J.-H.H.); (E.S.L.)
| | - Jaeyeon Park
- Environment and Resource Convergence Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Suwon 16229, Korea; (S.J.M.); (J.-H.H.); (E.S.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-888-9042; Fax: +82-31-888-9040
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Remize M, Planchon F, Garnier M, Loh AN, Le Grand F, Bideau A, Lambert C, Corvaisier R, Volety A, Soudant P. A 13CO 2 Enrichment Experiment to Study the Synthesis Pathways of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids of the Haptophyte Tisochrysis lutea. Mar Drugs 2021; 20:md20010022. [PMID: 35049877 PMCID: PMC8779623 DOI: 10.3390/md20010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The production of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in Tisochrysis lutea was studied using the gradual incorporation of a 13C-enriched isotopic marker, 13CO2, for 24 h during the exponential growth of the algae. The 13C enrichment of eleven fatty acids was followed to understand the synthetic pathways the most likely to form the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids 20:5n-3 (EPA) and 22:6n-3 (DHA) in T. lutea. The fatty acids 16:0, 18:1n-9 + 18:3n-3, 18:2n-6, and 22:5n-6 were the most enriched in 13C. On the contrary, 18:4n-3 and 18:5n-3 were the least enriched in 13C after long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as 20:5n-3 or 22:5n-3. The algae appeared to use different routes in parallel to form its polyunsaturated fatty acids. The use of the PKS pathway was hypothesized for polyunsaturated fatty acids with n-6 configuration (such as 22:5n-6) but might also exist for n-3 PUFA (especially 20:5n-3). With regard to the conventional n-3 PUFA pathway, Δ6 desaturation of 18:3n-3 appeared to be the most limiting step for T. lutea, “stopping” at the synthesis of 18:4n-3 and 18:5n-3. These two fatty acids were hypothesized to not undergo any further reaction of elongation and desaturation after being formed and were therefore considered “end-products”. To circumvent this limiting synthetic route, Tisochrysis lutea seemed to have developed an alternative route via Δ8 desaturation to produce longer chain fatty acids such as 20:5n-3 and 22:5n-3. 22:6n-3 presented a lower enrichment and appeared to be produced by a combination of different pathways: the conventional n-3 PUFA pathway by desaturation of 22:5n-3, the alternative route of ω-3 desaturase using 22:5n-6 as precursor, and possibly the PKS pathway. In this study, PKS synthesis looked particularly effective for producing long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The rate of enrichment of these compounds hypothetically synthesized by PKS is remarkably fast, making undetectable the 13C incorporation into their precursors. Finally, we identified a protein cluster gathering PKS sequences of proteins that are hypothesized allowing n-3 PUFA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Remize
- UMR 6539 LEMAR, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, University of Brest, 29280 Plouzane, France; (F.P.); (F.L.G.); (A.B.); (C.L.); (R.C.)
- GREENSEA, Promenade du Sergeant Navarro, 34140 Meze, France
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (P.S.)
| | - Frédéric Planchon
- UMR 6539 LEMAR, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, University of Brest, 29280 Plouzane, France; (F.P.); (F.L.G.); (A.B.); (C.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Matthieu Garnier
- PBA, Ifremer, Rue de l’Ile d’Yeu, BP 21105, CEDEX 03, 44311 Nantes, France;
| | - Ai Ning Loh
- Center for Marine Science, Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Ln, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA;
| | - Fabienne Le Grand
- UMR 6539 LEMAR, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, University of Brest, 29280 Plouzane, France; (F.P.); (F.L.G.); (A.B.); (C.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Antoine Bideau
- UMR 6539 LEMAR, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, University of Brest, 29280 Plouzane, France; (F.P.); (F.L.G.); (A.B.); (C.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Christophe Lambert
- UMR 6539 LEMAR, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, University of Brest, 29280 Plouzane, France; (F.P.); (F.L.G.); (A.B.); (C.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Rudolph Corvaisier
- UMR 6539 LEMAR, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, University of Brest, 29280 Plouzane, France; (F.P.); (F.L.G.); (A.B.); (C.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Aswani Volety
- 50 Campus Drive, Elon University, Elon, NC 27244, USA;
| | - Philippe Soudant
- UMR 6539 LEMAR, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, University of Brest, 29280 Plouzane, France; (F.P.); (F.L.G.); (A.B.); (C.L.); (R.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (P.S.)
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Anestis K, Kohli GS, Wohlrab S, Varga E, Larsen TO, Hansen PJ, John U. Polyketide synthase genes and molecular trade-offs in the ichthyotoxic species Prymnesium parvum. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148878. [PMID: 34252778 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Prymnesium parvum is a bloom forming haptophyte that has been responsible for numerous fish kill events across the world. The toxicity of P. parvum has been attributed to the production of large polyketide compounds, collectively called prymnesins, which based on their structure can be divided into A-, B- and C-type. The polyketide chemical nature of prymnesins indicates the potential involvement of polyketide synthases (PKSs) in their biosynthesis. However, little is known about the presence of PKSs in P. parvum as well as the potential molecular trade-offs of toxin biosynthesis. In the current study, we generated and analyzed the transcriptomes of nine P. parvum strains that produce different toxin types and have various cellular toxin contents. Numerous type I PKSs, ranging from 37 to 109, were found among the strains. Larger modular type I PKSs were mainly retrieved from strains with high cellular toxin levels and eight consensus transcripts were present in all nine strains. Gene expression variance analysis revealed potential molecular trade-offs associated with cellular toxin quantity, showing that basic metabolic processes seem to correlate negatively with cellular toxin content. These findings point towards the presence of metabolic costs for maintaining high cellular toxin quantity. The detailed analysis of PKSs in P. parvum is the first step towards better understanding the molecular basis of the biosynthesis of prymnesins and contributes to the development of molecular tools for efficient monitoring of future blooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Anestis
- Ecological Chemistry, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - Gurjeet Singh Kohli
- Ecological Chemistry, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - Sylke Wohlrab
- Ecological Chemistry, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity, Ammerländer Heerstraße 231, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Elisabeth Varga
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 40, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Thomas Ostenfeld Larsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 221, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Per Juel Hansen
- Marine Biology Section, University of Copenhagen, Strandpromenaden 5, 3000 Helsingør, Denmark.
| | - Uwe John
- Ecological Chemistry, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity, Ammerländer Heerstraße 231, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany.
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Cusick K, Duran G. sxtA4+ and sxtA4- Genotypes Occur Together within Natural Pyrodinium bahamense Sub-Populations from the Western Atlantic. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061128. [PMID: 34071086 PMCID: PMC8224543 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Saxitoxin (STX) is a secondary metabolite and potent neurotoxin produced by several genera of harmful algal bloom (HAB) marine dinoflagellates. The basis for variability in STX production within natural bloom populations is undefined as both toxic and non-toxic strains (of the same species) have been isolated from the same geographic locations. Pyrodinium bahamense is a STX-producing bioluminescent dinoflagellate that blooms along the east coast of Florida as well as the bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico (PR), though no toxicity reports exist for PR populations. The core genes in the dinoflagellate STX biosynthetic pathway have been identified, and the sxtA4 gene is essential for toxin production. Using sxtA4 as a molecular proxy for the genetic capacity of STX production, we examined sxtA4+ and sxtA4- genotype frequency at the single cell level in P. bahamense populations from different locations in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), FL, and Mosquito Bay (MB), a bioluminescent bay in PR. Multiplex PCR was performed on individual cells with Pyrodinium-specific primers targeting the 18S rRNA gene and sxtA4. The results reveal that within discrete natural populations of P. bahamense, both sxtA4+ and sxtA4- genotypes occur, and the sxtA4+ genotype dominates. In the IRL, the frequency of the sxtA4+ genotype ranged from ca. 80–100%. In MB, sxtA4+ genotype frequency ranged from ca 40–66%. To assess the extent of sxtA4 variation within individual cells, sxtA4 amplicons from single cells representative of the different sampling sites were cloned and sequenced. Overall, two variants were consistently obtained, one of which is likely a pseudogene based on alignment with cDNA sequences. These are the first data demonstrating the existence of both genotypes in natural P. bahamense sub-populations, as well as sxtA4 presence in P. bahamense from PR. These results provide insights on underlying genetic factors influencing the potential for toxin variability among natural sub-populations of HAB species and highlight the need to study the genetic diversity within HAB sub-populations at a fine level in order to identify the molecular mechanisms driving HAB evolution.
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Remize M, Brunel Y, Silva JL, Berthon JY, Filaire E. Microalgae n-3 PUFAs Production and Use in Food and Feed Industries. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:113. [PMID: 33670628 PMCID: PMC7922858 DOI: 10.3390/md19020113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), and especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential compounds for human health. They have been proven to act positively on a panel of diseases and have interesting anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties. For these reasons, they are receiving more and more attention in recent years, especially future food or feed development. EPA and DHA come mainly from marine sources like fish or seaweed. Unfortunately, due to global warming, these compounds are becoming scarce for humans because of overfishing and stock reduction. Although increasing in recent years, aquaculture appears insufficient to meet the increasing requirements of these healthy molecules for humans. One alternative resides in the cultivation of microalgae, the initial producers of EPA and DHA. They are also rich in biochemicals with interesting properties. After defining macro and microalgae, this review synthesizes the current knowledge on n-3 PUFAs regarding health benefits and the challenges surrounding their supply within the environmental context. Microalgae n-3 PUFA production is examined and its synthesis pathways are discussed. Finally, the use of EPA and DHA in food and feed is investigated. This work aims to define better the issues surrounding n-3 PUFA production and supply and the potential of microalgae as a sustainable source of compounds to enhance the food and feed of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Remize
- GREENSEA, 3 Promenade du Sergent Jean-Louis Navarro, 34140 MÈZE, France; (M.R.); (Y.B.)
| | - Yves Brunel
- GREENSEA, 3 Promenade du Sergent Jean-Louis Navarro, 34140 MÈZE, France; (M.R.); (Y.B.)
| | - Joana L. Silva
- ALLMICROALGAE–Natural Products, Avenida 25 Abril, 2445-413 Pataias, Portugal;
| | | | - Edith Filaire
- GREENTECH, Biopôle Clermont-Limagne, 63360 SAINT BEAUZIRE, France;
- ECREIN Team, UMR 1019 INRA-UcA, UNH (Human Nutrition Unity), University Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Identification of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Synthesis Pathways in the Toxic Dinophyte Alexandrium minutum Using 13C-Labelling. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101428. [PMID: 33050104 PMCID: PMC7600785 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthetic pathways responsible for the production of the polyunsaturated fatty acids 22:6n-3 and 20:5n-3 were studied in the Dinophyte Alexandrium minutum. The purpose of this work was to follow the progressive incorporation of an isotopic label (13CO2) into 11 fatty acids to better understand the fatty acid synthesis pathways in A. minutum. The Dinophyte growth was monitored for 54 h using high-frequency sampling. A. minutum presented a growth in two phases. A lag phase was observed during the first 30 h of development and had been associated with the probable temporary encystment of Dinophyte cells. An exponential growth phase was then observed after t30. A. minutum rapidly incorporated 13C into 22:6n-3, which ended up being the most 13C-enriched polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in this experiment, with a higher 13C atomic enrichment than 18:4n-3, 18:5n-3, 20:5n-3, and 22:5n-3. Overall, the 13C atomic enrichment (AE) was inversely proportional to number of carbons in n-3 PUFA. C18 PUFAs, 18:4n-3, and 18:5n-3, were indeed among the least 13C-enriched FAs during this experiment. They were assumed to be produced by the n-3 PUFA pathway. However, they could not be further elongated or desaturated to produce n-3 C20-C22 PUFA, because the AEs of the n-3 C18 PUFAs were lower than those of the n-3 C20-C22 PUFAs. Thus, the especially high atomic enrichment of 22:6n-3 (55.8% and 54.9% in neutral lipids (NLs) and polar lipids (PLs), respectively) led us to hypothesize that this major PUFA was synthesized by an O2-independent Polyketide Synthase (PKS) pathway. Another parallel PKS, independent of the one leading to 22:6n-3, was also supposed to produce 20:5n-3. The inverse order of the 13C atomic enrichment for n-3 PUFAs was also suspected to be related to the possible β-oxidation of long-chain n-3 PUFAs occurring during A. minutum encystment.
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Wang H, Kim H, Ki JS. Transcriptome survey and toxin measurements reveal evolutionary modification and loss of saxitoxin biosynthesis genes in the dinoflagellates Amphidinium carterae and Prorocentrum micans. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 195:110474. [PMID: 32200147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we characterized the potential toxin genes for polyketide synthase (PKS) and saxitoxin (STX) biosynthesis using the transcriptomes of two non-STX producing dinoflagellates Amphidinium carterae and Prorocentrum micans. RNA sequencing revealed 94 and 166 PKS contigs in A. carterae and P. micans, respectively. We first detected type III PKS, which was closely related to bacteria. In addition, dozens of homologs of 20 STX biosynthesis genes were identified. Interestingly, the core STX-synthesizing genes sxtA and sxtB were only found in P. micans, whereas sxtD was detected in A. carterae alone. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the first two core genes (sxtA and sxtG) had a low sequence similarity (37.0-67.6%) and different domain organization compared to those of other toxigenic dinoflagellates, such as Alexandrium pacificum. These might result in the breakdown of the initial reactions in STX production and ultimately the loss of the ability to synthesize the toxins in both dinoflagellates. Our findings suggest that toxin-related PKS and sxt genes are commonly found in non-STX producing dinoflagellates. In addition to their involvement in the synthesis of toxins, our result indicates that genes may also have other molecular metabolic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, South Korea
| | - Hansol Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, South Korea
| | - Jang-Seu Ki
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, South Korea.
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Wu Z, Luo H, Yu L, Lee WH, Li L, Mak YL, Lin S, Lam PKS. Characterizing ciguatoxin (CTX)- and Non-CTX-producing strains of Gambierdiscus balechii using comparative transcriptomics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 717:137184. [PMID: 32084685 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Gambierdiscus spp. can produce the polyketide compound, ciguatoxin (CTX), and are hence responsible for ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP). Studying the molecular mechanism that regulates CTX production is crucial for understanding the environmental trigger of CTX as well as for better informing fishery management. Commonly, polyketide synthases are important for polyketide synthesis; however, no gene has been confirmatively assigned to CTX production. Here, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) were used to compare a CTX-producing strain with a non-CTX-producing strain. Using both methods, a total of 52 polyketide synthase (PKS) genes were identified to be up-regulated in the CTX-producing G. balechii, including transcripts encoding single-domain PKSs as well as transcripts encoding multi-domain PKSs. Using reverse transcription quantitative PCR, the expression of these genes in the CTX-producing strain and in nitrogen-limited cultures of the strain was further documented. These data suggest that PKSs are likely involved in polyketide synthesis and potentially in CTX synthesis in this dinoflagellate species. Our study provides the candidate biomarkers for the detection of CTXs or CFP in waters or any other organisms as well as a valuable genomic resource for the research on Gambierdiscus and other dinoflagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Liying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wai Hin Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yim Ling Mak
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory for the Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity, Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Senjie Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, USA.
| | - Paul K S Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory for the Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity, Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
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Van Dolah FM, Morey JS, Milne S, Ung A, Anderson PE, Chinain M. Transcriptomic analysis of polyketide synthases in a highly ciguatoxic dinoflagellate, Gambierdiscus polynesiensis and low toxicity Gambierdiscus pacificus, from French Polynesia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231400. [PMID: 32294110 PMCID: PMC7159223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine dinoflagellates produce a diversity of polyketide toxins that are accumulated in marine food webs and are responsible for a variety of seafood poisonings. Reef-associated dinoflagellates of the genus Gambierdiscus produce toxins responsible for ciguatera poisoning (CP), which causes over 50,000 cases of illness annually worldwide. The biosynthetic machinery for dinoflagellate polyketides remains poorly understood. Recent transcriptomic and genomic sequencing projects have revealed the presence of Type I modular polyketide synthases in dinoflagellates, as well as a plethora of single domain transcripts with Type I sequence homology. The current transcriptome analysis compares polyketide synthase (PKS) gene transcripts expressed in two species of Gambierdiscus from French Polynesia: a highly toxic ciguatoxin producer, G. polynesiensis, versus a non-ciguatoxic species G. pacificus, each assembled from approximately 180 million Illumina 125 nt reads using Trinity, and compares their PKS content with previously published data from other Gambierdiscus species and more distantly related dinoflagellates. Both modular and single-domain PKS transcripts were present. Single domain β-ketoacyl synthase (KS) transcripts were highly amplified in both species (98 in G. polynesiensis, 99 in G. pacificus), with smaller numbers of standalone acyl transferase (AT), ketoacyl reductase (KR), dehydratase (DH), enoyl reductase (ER), and thioesterase (TE) domains. G. polynesiensis expressed both a larger number of multidomain PKSs, and larger numbers of modules per transcript, than the non-ciguatoxic G. pacificus. The largest PKS transcript in G. polynesiensis encoded a 10,516 aa, 7 module protein, predicted to synthesize part of the polyether backbone. Transcripts and gene models representing portions of this PKS are present in other species, suggesting that its function may be performed in those species by multiple interacting proteins. This study contributes to the building consensus that dinoflagellates utilize a combination of Type I modular and single domain PKS proteins, in an as yet undefined manner, to synthesize polyketides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances M. Van Dolah
- Marine Genomics Core, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jeanine S. Morey
- Marine Genomics Core, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Shard Milne
- Charleston Computational Genomics Group, Department of Computer Science, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - André Ung
- Laboratoire des Biotoxines Marines, Institut Louis Malardé—UMR 241 EIO, Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
| | - Paul E. Anderson
- Charleston Computational Genomics Group, Department of Computer Science, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Mireille Chinain
- Laboratoire des Biotoxines Marines, Institut Louis Malardé—UMR 241 EIO, Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
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11
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Wang H, Guo R, Lim WA, Allen AE, Ki JS. Comparative transcriptomics of toxin synthesis genes between the non-toxin producing dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides and toxigenic Alexandrium pacificum. HARMFUL ALGAE 2020; 93:101777. [PMID: 32307068 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2020.101777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we extensively characterized potential toxin-related genes, including polyketide synthase (PKS), saxitoxin (STX) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) from the non-toxin producing marine dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides, comparing to those of a toxigenic dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum. RNA sequencing revealed 50 and 271 PKS contigs from C. polykrikoides and A. pacificum, respectively. According to domain constitute and amino acid alteration, we further classified the dinoflagellate type I PKS genes into 4 sub-groups. Type III PKS was first identified in C. polykrikoides. Interestingly, we detected a large number (242 and 288) of homologs of 18 sxt genes from two studied dinoflagellates. Most of the eight key genes (sxtA, sxtB, sxtD, sxtG, sxtH/T, sxtI, sxtS and sxtU) for STX synthesis were detected in both dinoflatellates, whereas a core STX biosynthesis gene sxtG was not detected in C. polykrikoides. This may partially explain the absence of saxitoxin production in C. polykrikoides. In addition, we identified several type I and type II FAS genes, including FabD, FabF, FabG, FabH, FabI, and FabZ, whereas FabB was not found in C. polykrikoides. Overall, the numbers of the toxin-related genes in C. polykrikoides were less than that of A. pacificum. Phylogenetic analyses showed that type I PKS/FASs of dinoflagellates had close relationships with apicomplexans and bacteria. These suggest that the toxin-related PKS and sxt genes are commonly present in toxigenic and non-toxin producing dinoflagellates, and may be involved not only in the toxin synthesis, but also in other related molecular metabolic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, South Korea
| | - Ruoyu Guo
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, South Korea; Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem and Biogeochemistry, State Oceanic Administration & Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, PR China
| | - Weol-Ae Lim
- Ocean Climate and Ecology Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), Busan 46083, South Korea
| | - Andrew E Allen
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA; Microbial and Environmental Genomics Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jang-Seu Ki
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, South Korea.
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12
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Wan X, Yao G, Liu Y, Chen J, Jiang H. Research Progress in the Biosynthetic Mechanisms of Marine Polyether Toxins. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:E594. [PMID: 31652489 PMCID: PMC6835853 DOI: 10.3390/md17100594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine polyether toxins, mainly produced by marine dinoflagellates, are novel, complex, and diverse natural products with extensive toxicological and pharmacological effects. Owing to their harmful effects during outbreaks of marine red tides, as well as their potential value for the development of new drugs, marine polyether toxins have been extensively studied, in terms of toxicology, pharmacology, detection, and analysis, structural identification, as well as their biosynthetic mechanisms. Although the biosynthetic mechanisms of marine polyether toxins are still unclear, certain progress has been made. In this review, research progress and current knowledge on the biosynthetic mechanisms of polyether toxins are summarized, including the mechanisms of carbon skeleton deletion, pendant alkylation, and polyether ring formation, along with providing a summary of mined biosynthesis-related genes. Finally, future research directions and applications of marine polyether toxins are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiukun Wan
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China.
| | - Ge Yao
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China.
| | - Yanli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China.
| | - Jisheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China.
| | - Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China.
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13
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Verma A, Kohli GS, Harwood DT, Ralph PJ, Murray SA. Transcriptomic investigation into polyketide toxin synthesis in Ostreopsis (Dinophyceae) species. Environ Microbiol 2019; 21:4196-4211. [PMID: 31415128 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In marine ecosystems, dinoflagellates can become highly abundant and even dominant at times, despite their comparatively slow growth. Their ecological success may be related to their production of complex toxic polyketide compounds. Ostreopsis species produce potent palytoxin-like compounds (PLTX), which are associated with human skin and eye irritations, and illnesses through the consumption of contaminated seafood. To investigate the genetic basis of PLTX-like compounds, we sequenced and annotated transcriptomes from two PLTX-producing Ostreopsis species; O. cf. ovata, O. cf. siamensis, one non-PLTX producing species, O. rhodesae and compared them to a close phylogenetic relative and non-PLTX producer, Coolia malayensis. We found no clear differences in the presence or diversity of ketosynthase and ketoreductase transcripts between PLTX producing and non-producing Ostreopsis and Coolia species, as both groups contained >90 and > 10 phylogenetically diverse ketosynthase and ketoreductase transcripts, respectively. We report for the first-time type I single-, multi-domain polyketide synthases (PKSs) and hybrid non-ribosomal peptide synthase/PKS transcripts from all species. The long multi-modular PKSs were insufficient by themselves to synthesize the large complex polyether backbone of PLTX-like compounds. This implies that numerous PKS domains, including both single and multi-, work together on the biosynthesis of PLTX-like and other related polyketide compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Verma
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007, Australia
| | - Gurjeet S Kohli
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007, Australia.,Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, 27515, Germany
| | - D Tim Harwood
- Cawthron Institute, 98, Halifax Street East, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Peter J Ralph
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007, Australia
| | - Shauna A Murray
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007, Australia
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14
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Verma A, Barua A, Ruvindy R, Savela H, Ajani PA, Murray SA. The Genetic Basis of Toxin Biosynthesis in Dinoflagellates. Microorganisms 2019; 7:E222. [PMID: 31362398 PMCID: PMC6722697 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7080222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In marine ecosystems, dinoflagellates can become highly abundant and even dominant at times, despite their comparatively slow growth rates. One factor that may play a role in their ecological success is the production of complex secondary metabolite compounds that can have anti-predator, allelopathic, or other toxic effects on marine organisms, and also cause seafood poisoning in humans. Our knowledge about the genes involved in toxin biosynthesis in dinoflagellates is currently limited due to the complex genomic features of these organisms. Most recently, the sequencing of dinoflagellate transcriptomes has provided us with valuable insights into the biosynthesis of polyketide and alkaloid-based toxin molecules in dinoflagellate species. This review synthesizes the recent progress that has been made in understanding the evolution, biosynthetic pathways, and gene regulation in dinoflagellates with the aid of transcriptomic and other molecular genetic tools, and provides a pathway for future studies of dinoflagellates in this exciting omics era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Verma
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2007, Australia.
| | - Abanti Barua
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2007, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Chittagong 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Rendy Ruvindy
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2007, Australia
| | - Henna Savela
- Finnish Environment Institute, Marine Research Centre, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Penelope A Ajani
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2007, Australia
| | - Shauna A Murray
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2007, Australia
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15
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Chikwililwa C, McCarron P, Waniek JJ, Schulz-Bull DE. Phylogenetic analysis and yessotoxin profiles of Gonyaulax spinifera cultures from the Benguela Current upwelling system. HARMFUL ALGAE 2019; 85:101626. [PMID: 31810531 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2019.101626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Benguela Current in the Atlantic is one of the four major upwelling systems on the Eastern boundary of the world ocean. Thus the coastal regions off Namibia are prone to high primary productivity that can lead to Harmful Algae Blooms as this nutrient rich water reaches the euphotic zone. Yessotoxins (YTXs) produced by G. spinifera were detected in Namibian phytoplankton field samples in 2011. Isolation of G. spinifera cultures from this location in 2012 enabled molecular genetics work and further liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assessment of toxin profiles. The molecular work grouped the Benguela G. spinifera with other toxic G. spinifera strains originating from Italy and New Zealand. The main YTX analogs present in the Benguela G. spinifera are homo-YTX, YTX and a hydroxylated analogue. This work adds important knowledge on the occurrence of Harmful Algae Blooms in this region and is of relevance for safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chibo Chikwililwa
- Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, National Marine Information and Research Centre, Aquaculture Directorate, Strand Street, PO Box 912, Swakopmund, Namibia; Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), Seestrasse 15, D-18119 Rostock, Germany; Microalgae and Seaweed Research and Development, Sam Nujoma Campus Henties Bay, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, 340 Mandume Ndemufayo Ave, Pionierspark, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Pearse McCarron
- Biotoxin Metrology, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Joanna J Waniek
- Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), Seestrasse 15, D-18119 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Detlef E Schulz-Bull
- Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), Seestrasse 15, D-18119 Rostock, Germany
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16
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Beedessee G, Hisata K, Roy MC, Van Dolah FM, Satoh N, Shoguchi E. Diversified secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene repertoire revealed in symbiotic dinoflagellates. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1204. [PMID: 30718591 PMCID: PMC6361889 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37792-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates possess smaller nuclear genomes than other dinoflagellates and produce structurally specialized, biologically active, secondary metabolites. Till date, little is known about the evolution of secondary metabolism in dinoflagellates as comparative genomic approaches have been hampered by their large genome sizes. Here, we overcome this challenge by combining genomic and metabolomics approaches to investigate how chemical diversity arises in three decoded Symbiodiniaceae genomes (clades A3, B1 and C). Our analyses identify extensive diversification of polyketide synthase and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase genes from two newly decoded genomes of Symbiodinium tridacnidorum (A3) and Cladocopium sp. (C). Phylogenetic analyses indicate that almost all the gene families are derived from lineage-specific gene duplications in all three clades, suggesting divergence for environmental adaptation. Few metabolic pathways are conserved among the three clades and we detect metabolic similarity only in the recently diverged clades, B1 and C. We establish that secondary metabolism protein architecture guides substrate specificity and that gene duplication and domain shuffling have resulted in diversification of secondary metabolism genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girish Beedessee
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Kanako Hisata
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Michael C Roy
- Instrumental Analysis Section, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Frances M Van Dolah
- College of Charleston, School of Sciences and Mathematics, 66 George St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29424, USA
| | - Noriyuki Satoh
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Eiichi Shoguchi
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
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17
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Ogawara H. Comparison of Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance: Learning from Various Kingdoms. Molecules 2018; 23:E1476. [PMID: 29912169 PMCID: PMC6100412 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance, especially antibiotic resistance, is a growing threat to human health. To overcome this problem, it is significant to know precisely the mechanisms of drug resistance and/or self-resistance in various kingdoms, from bacteria through plants to animals, once more. This review compares the molecular mechanisms of the resistance against phycotoxins, toxins from marine and terrestrial animals, plants and fungi, and antibiotics. The results reveal that each kingdom possesses the characteristic features. The main mechanisms in each kingdom are transporters/efflux pumps in phycotoxins, mutation and modification of targets and sequestration in marine and terrestrial animal toxins, ABC transporters and sequestration in plant toxins, transporters in fungal toxins, and various or mixed mechanisms in antibiotics. Antibiotic producers in particular make tremendous efforts for avoiding suicide, and are more flexible and adaptable to the changes of environments. With these features in mind, potential alternative strategies to overcome these resistance problems are discussed. This paper will provide clues for solving the issues of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Ogawara
- HO Bio Institute, Yushima-2, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0034, Japan.
- Department of Biochemistry, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Noshio-2, Kiyose, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan.
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18
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Van Dolah FM, Kohli GS, Morey JS, Murray SA. Both modular and single-domain Type I polyketide synthases are expressed in the brevetoxin-producing dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis (Dinophyceae). JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2017; 53:1325-1339. [PMID: 28949419 PMCID: PMC5725682 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Dinoflagellates are prolific producers of polyketide compounds, many of which are potent toxins with adverse impacts on human and marine animal health. To identify polyketide synthase (PKS) genes in the brevetoxin-producing dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis, we assembled a transcriptome from 595 million Illumina reads, sampled under different growth conditions. The assembly included 125,687 transcripts greater than 300 nt in length, with over half having >100× coverage. We found 121 transcripts encoding Type I ketosynthase (KS) domains, of which 99 encoded single KS domains, while 22 contained multiple KS domains arranged in 1-3 protein modules. Phylogenetic analysis placed all single domain and a majority of multidomain KSs within a monophyletic clade of protist PKSs. In contrast with the highly amplified single-domain KSs, only eight single-domain ketoreductase transcripts were found in the assembly, suggesting that they are more evolutionarily conserved. The multidomain PKSs were dominated by trans-acyltransferase architectures, which were recently shown to be prevalent in other algal protists. Karenia brevis also expressed several hybrid nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS)/PKS sequences, including a burA-like sequence previously reported in a wide variety of dinoflagellates. This contrasts with a similarly deep transcriptome of Gambierdiscus polynesiensis, which lacked NRPS/PKS other than the burA-like transcript, and may reflect the presence of amide-containing polyketides in K. brevis and their absence from G. polynesiensis. In concert with other recent transcriptome analyses, this study provides evidence for both single domain and multidomain PKSs in the synthesis of polyketide compounds in dinoflagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances M. Van Dolah
- College of CharlestonSchool of Sciences and Mathematics66 George St.CharlestonSouth Carolina29424USA
- Hollings Marine Laboratory331 Fort Johnson Rd.CharlestonSouth Carolina29412USA
| | - Gurjeet S. Kohli
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney15 Broadway, UltimoSydneyNew South Wales2007Australia
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences EngineeringNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore689528
| | - Jeanine S. Morey
- Hollings Marine Laboratory331 Fort Johnson Rd.CharlestonSouth Carolina29412USA
- JHT Incorporated2710 Discovery Dr.OrlandoFlorida32826USA
| | - Shauna A. Murray
- Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology Sydney15 Broadway, UltimoSydneyNew South Wales2007Australia
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19
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Lauritano C, De Luca D, Ferrarini A, Avanzato C, Minio A, Esposito F, Ianora A. De novo transcriptome of the cosmopolitan dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae to identify enzymes with biotechnological potential. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11701. [PMID: 28916825 PMCID: PMC5601461 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12092-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dinoflagellates are phytoplanktonic organisms found in both freshwater and marine habitats. They are often studied because related to harmful algal blooms but they are also known to produce bioactive compounds for the treatment of human pathologies. The aim of this study was to sequence the full transcriptome of the dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae in both nitrogen-starved and -replete culturing conditions (1) to evaluate the response to nitrogen starvation at the transcriptional level, (2) to look for possible polyketide synthases (PKSs) in the studied clone (genes that may be involved in the synthesis of bioactive compounds), (3) if present, to evaluate if nutrient starvation can influence PKS expression, (4) to look for other possible enzymes of biotechnological interest and (5) to test strain cytotoxicity on human cell lines. Results showed an increase in nitrogen metabolism and stress response in nitrogen-starved cells and confirmed the presence of a type I β-ketosynthase. In addition, L-asparaginase (used for the treatment of Leukemia and for acrylamide reduction in food industries) and cellulase (useful for biofuel production and other industrial applications) have been identified for the first time in this species, giving new insights into possible biotechnological applications of dinoflagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Lauritano
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Daniele De Luca
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferrarini
- Università degli Studi di Verona, Ca' Vignal 1, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Carla Avanzato
- Università degli Studi di Verona, Ca' Vignal 1, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Minio
- Università degli Studi di Verona, Ca' Vignal 1, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy
| | - Adrianna Ianora
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Napoli, Italy
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20
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Romano G, Costantini M, Sansone C, Lauritano C, Ruocco N, Ianora A. Marine microorganisms as a promising and sustainable source of bioactive molecules. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 128:58-69. [PMID: 27160988 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to discover new drug entities due to the increased incidence of severe diseases as cancer and neurodegenerative pathologies, and reducing efficacy of existing antibiotics. Recently, there is a renewed interest in exploring the marine habitat for new pharmaceuticals also thanks to the advancement in cultivation technologies and in molecular biology techniques. Microorganisms represent a still poorly explored resource for drug discovery. The possibility of obtaining a continuous source of bioactives from marine microorganisms, more amenable to culturing compared to macro-organisms, may be able to meet the challenging demands of pharmaceutical industries. This would enable a more environmentally-friendly approach to drug discovery and overcome the over-utilization of marine resources and the use of destructive collection practices. The importance of the topic is underlined by the number of EU projects funded aimed at improving the exploitation of marine organisms for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Romano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy.
| | - M Costantini
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - C Sansone
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - C Lauritano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - N Ruocco
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy; Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry-CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, Naples 80078, Italy
| | - A Ianora
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
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21
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Kohli GS, Campbell K, John U, Smith KF, Fraga S, Rhodes LL, Murray SA. Role of Modular Polyketide Synthases in the Production of Polyether Ladder Compounds in Ciguatoxin-Producing Gambierdiscus polynesiensis and G. excentricus (Dinophyceae). J Eukaryot Microbiol 2017; 64:691-706. [PMID: 28211202 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Gambierdiscus, a benthic dinoflagellate, produces ciguatoxins that cause the human illness Ciguatera. Ciguatoxins are polyether ladder compounds that have a polyketide origin, indicating that polyketide synthases (PKS) are involved in their production. We sequenced transcriptomes of Gambierdiscus excentricus and Gambierdiscus polynesiensis and found 264 contigs encoding single domain ketoacyl synthases (KS; G. excentricus: 106, G. polynesiensis: 143) and ketoreductases (KR; G. excentricus: 7, G. polynesiensis: 8) with sequence similarity to type I PKSs, as reported in other dinoflagellates. In addition, 24 contigs (G. excentricus: 3, G. polynesiensis: 21) encoding multiple PKS domains (forming typical type I PKSs modules) were found. The proposed structure produced by one of these megasynthases resembles a partial carbon backbone of a polyether ladder compound. Seventeen contigs encoding single domain KS, KR, s-malonyltransacylase, dehydratase and enoyl reductase with sequence similarity to type II fatty acid synthases (FAS) in plants were found. Type I PKS and type II FAS genes were distinguished based on the arrangement of domains on the contigs and their sequence similarity and phylogenetic clustering with known PKS/FAS genes in other organisms. This differentiation of PKS and FAS pathways in Gambierdiscus is important, as it will facilitate approaches to investigating toxin biosynthesis pathways in dinoflagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurjeet S Kohli
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.,Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 689528, Singapore
| | - Katrina Campbell
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AG, United Kingdom
| | - Uwe John
- Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, 27515, Germany.,Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, 26111, Germany
| | - Kirsty F Smith
- Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Santiago Fraga
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro 50, Vigo, 36390, Spain
| | - Lesley L Rhodes
- Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Shauna A Murray
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
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22
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Casabianca S, Cornetti L, Capellacci S, Vernesi C, Penna A. Genome complexity of harmful microalgae. HARMFUL ALGAE 2017; 63:7-12. [PMID: 28366402 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
During the past decade, next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have provided new insights into the diversity, dynamics, and metabolic pathways of natural microbial communities. But, these new techniques face challenges related to the genome size and level of genome complexity of the species under investigation. Moreover, the coverage depth and the short-read length achieved by NGS based approaches also represent a major challenge for assembly. These factors could limit the use of these high-throughput sequencing methods for species lacking a reference genome and characterized by a high level of complexity. In the present work, the evolutionary history, mainly consisting of gene transfer events from bacteria and unicellular eukaryotes to microalgae, including harmful species, is discussed and reviewed as it relates to NGS application in microbial communities, with a particular focus on harmful algal bloom species and dinoflagellates. In the context of genetic population studies, genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), an NGS based approach, could be used for the discovery and analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The NGS technologies are still relatively new and require further improvement. Specifically, there is a need to develop and standardize tools and approaches to handle large data sets, which have to be used for the majority of HAB species characterized by evolutionary highly dynamic genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Casabianca
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Viale Trieste 296, 61121 Pesaro, Italy; CoNISMa, Italian Interuniversity Consortium on Marine Sciences, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Cornetti
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuela Capellacci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Viale Trieste 296, 61121 Pesaro, Italy; CoNISMa, Italian Interuniversity Consortium on Marine Sciences, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiano Vernesi
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach 1, San Michele all'Adige, 38010 Trento, Italy
| | - Antonella Penna
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino, Viale Trieste 296, 61121 Pesaro, Italy; CoNISMa, Italian Interuniversity Consortium on Marine Sciences, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy.
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23
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Kohli GS, John U, Van Dolah FM, Murray SA. Evolutionary distinctiveness of fatty acid and polyketide synthesis in eukaryotes. ISME JOURNAL 2016; 10:1877-90. [PMID: 26784357 PMCID: PMC5029157 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2015.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acids, which are essential cell membrane constituents and fuel storage molecules, are thought to share a common evolutionary origin with polyketide toxins in eukaryotes. While fatty acids are primary metabolic products, polyketide toxins are secondary metabolites that are involved in ecologically relevant processes, such as chemical defence, and produce the adverse effects of harmful algal blooms. Selection pressures on such compounds may be different, resulting in differing evolutionary histories. Surprisingly, some studies of dinoflagellates have suggested that the same enzymes may catalyse these processes. Here we show the presence and evolutionary distinctiveness of genes encoding six key enzymes essential for fatty acid production in 13 eukaryotic lineages for which no previous sequence data were available (alveolates: dinoflagellates, Vitrella, Chromera; stramenopiles: bolidophytes, chrysophytes, pelagophytes, raphidophytes, dictyochophytes, pinguiophytes, xanthophytes; Rhizaria: chlorarachniophytes, haplosporida; euglenids) and 8 other lineages (apicomplexans, bacillariophytes, synurophytes, cryptophytes, haptophytes, chlorophyceans, prasinophytes, trebouxiophytes). The phylogeny of fatty acid synthase genes reflects the evolutionary history of the organism, indicating selection to maintain conserved functionality. In contrast, polyketide synthase gene families are highly expanded in dinoflagellates and haptophytes, suggesting relaxed constraints in their evolutionary history, while completely absent from some protist lineages. This demonstrates a vast potential for the production of bioactive polyketide compounds in some lineages of microbial eukaryotes, indicating that the evolution of these compounds may have played an important role in their ecological success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurjeet S Kohli
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Uwe John
- Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Frances M Van Dolah
- Marine Biotoxins Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Center for Coastal and Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Shauna A Murray
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
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24
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Shelest E, Heimerl N, Fichtner M, Sasso S. Multimodular type I polyketide synthases in algae evolve by module duplications and displacement of AT domains in trans. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:1015. [PMID: 26611533 PMCID: PMC4661987 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-2222-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polyketide synthase (PKS) catalyzes the biosynthesis of polyketides, which are structurally and functionally diverse natural products in microorganisms and plants. Here, we have analyzed available full genome sequences of microscopic and macroscopic algae for the presence of type I PKS genes. Results Type I PKS genes are present in 15 of 32 analyzed algal species. In chlorophytes, large proteins in the MDa range are predicted in most sequenced species, and PKSs with free-standing acyltransferase domains (trans-AT PKSs) predominate. In a phylogenetic tree, PKS sequences from different algal phyla form clades that are distinct from PKSs from other organisms such as non-photosynthetic protists or cyanobacteria. However, intermixing is observed in some cases, for example polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and glycolipid synthases of various origins. Close relationships between type I PKS modules from different species or between modules within the same multimodular enzyme were identified, suggesting module duplications during evolution of algal PKSs. In contrast to type I PKSs, nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are relatively rare in algae (occurrence in 7 of 32 species). Conclusions Our phylogenetic analysis of type I PKSs in algae supports an evolutionary scenario whereby integrated AT domains were displaced to yield trans-AT PKSs. Together with module duplications, the displacement of AT domains may constitute a major mechanism of PKS evolution in algae. This study advances our understanding of the diversity of eukaryotic PKSs and their evolutionary trajectories. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-2222-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Shelest
- Research Group Systems Biology/Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany.
| | - Natalie Heimerl
- Institute of General Botany and Plant Physiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Dornburger Str. 159, 07743, Jena, Germany.
| | - Maximilian Fichtner
- Research Group Systems Biology/Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany.
| | - Severin Sasso
- Institute of General Botany and Plant Physiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Dornburger Str. 159, 07743, Jena, Germany.
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25
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Wang H, Sivonen K, Fewer DP. Genomic insights into the distribution, genetic diversity and evolution of polyketide synthases and nonribosomal peptide synthetases. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2015; 35:79-85. [PMID: 26605685 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Polyketides and nonribosomal peptides are important secondary metabolites that exhibit enormous structural diversity, have many pharmaceutical applications, and include a number of clinically important drugs. These complex metabolites are most commonly synthesized on enzymatic assembly lines of polyketide synthases and nonribosomal peptide synthetases. Genome-mining studies making use of the recent explosion in the number of genome sequences have demonstrated unexpected enzymatic diversity and greatly expanded the known distribution of these enzyme systems across the three domains of life. The wealth of data now available suggests that genome-mining efforts will uncover new natural products, novel biosynthetic mechanisms, and shed light on the origin and evolution of these important enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Division of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Kaarina Sivonen
- Division of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - David P Fewer
- Division of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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26
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Beedessee G, Hisata K, Roy MC, Satoh N, Shoguchi E. Multifunctional polyketide synthase genes identified by genomic survey of the symbiotic dinoflagellate, Symbiodinium minutum. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:941. [PMID: 26573520 PMCID: PMC4647583 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-2195-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dinoflagellates are unicellular marine and freshwater eukaryotes. They possess large nuclear genomes (1.5–245 gigabases) and produce structurally unique and biologically active polyketide secondary metabolites. Although polyketide biosynthesis is well studied in terrestrial and freshwater organisms, only recently have dinoflagellate polyketides been investigated. Transcriptomic analyses have characterized dinoflagellate polyketide synthase genes having single domains. The Genus Symbiodinium, with a comparatively small genome, is a group of major coral symbionts, and the S. minutum nuclear genome has been decoded. Results The present survey investigated the assembled S. minutum genome and identified 25 candidate polyketide synthase (PKS) genes that encode proteins with mono- and multifunctional domains. Predicted proteins retain functionally important amino acids in the catalytic ketosynthase (KS) domain. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of KS domains form a clade in which S. minutum domains cluster within the protist Type I PKS clade with those of other dinoflagellates and other eukaryotes. Single-domain PKS genes are likely expanded in dinoflagellate lineage. Two PKS genes of bacterial origin are found in the S. minutum genome. Interestingly, the largest enzyme is likely expressed as a hybrid non-ribosomal peptide synthetase-polyketide synthase (NRPS-PKS) assembly of 10,601 amino acids, containing NRPS and PKS modules and a thioesterase (TE) domain. We also found intron-rich genes with the minimal set of catalytic domains needed to produce polyketides. Ketosynthase (KS), acyltransferase (AT), and acyl carrier protein (ACP) along with other optional domains are present. Mapping of transcripts to the genome with the dinoflagellate-specific spliced leader sequence, supports expression of multifunctional PKS genes. Metabolite profiling of cultured S. minutum confirmed production of zooxanthellamide D, a polyhydroxy amide polyketide and other unknown polyketide secondary metabolites. Conclusion This genomic survey demonstrates that S. minutum contains genes with the minimal set of catalytic domains needed to produce polyketides and provides evidence of the modular nature of Type I PKS, unlike monofunctional Type I PKS from other dinoflagellates. In addition, our study suggests that diversification of dinoflagellate PKS genes comprises dinoflagellate-specific PKS genes with single domains, multifunctional PKS genes with KS domains orthologous to those of other protists, and PKS genes of bacterial origin. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-2195-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girish Beedessee
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Kanako Hisata
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Michael C Roy
- Imaging and Instrumental Analysis Section, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Noriyuki Satoh
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Eiichi Shoguchi
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
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27
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Kimura K, Okuda S, Nakayama K, Shikata T, Takahashi F, Yamaguchi H, Skamoto S, Yamaguchi M, Tomaru Y. RNA Sequencing Revealed Numerous Polyketide Synthase Genes in the Harmful Dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142731. [PMID: 26561394 PMCID: PMC4641656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi forms blooms in the coastal waters of temperate regions and occasionally causes massive fish and invertebrate mortality. This study aimed to elucidate the toxic effect of K. mikimotoi on marine organisms by using the genomics approach; RNA-sequence libraries were constructed, and data were analyzed to identify toxin-related genes. Next-generation sequencing produced 153,406 transcript contigs from the axenic culture of K. mikimotoi. BLASTX analysis against all assembled contigs revealed that 208 contigs were polyketide synthase (PKS) sequences. Thus, K. mikimotoi was thought to have several genes encoding PKS metabolites and to likely produce toxin-like polyketide molecules. Of all the sequences, approximately 30 encoded eight PKS genes, which were remarkably similar to those of Karenia brevis. Our phylogenetic analyses showed that these genes belonged to a new group of PKS type-I genes. Phylogenetic and active domain analyses showed that the amino acid sequence of four among eight Karenia PKS genes was not similar to any of the reported PKS genes. These PKS genes might possibly be associated with the synthesis of polyketide toxins produced by Karenia species. Further, a homology search revealed 10 contigs that were similar to a toxin gene responsible for the synthesis of saxitoxin (sxtA) in the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense. These contigs encoded A1-A3 domains of sxtA genes. Thus, this study identified some transcripts in K. mikimotoi that might be associated with several putative toxin-related genes. The findings of this study might help understand the mechanism of toxicity of K. mikimotoi and other dinoflagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Kimura
- National Research Institute of Fisheries and Environment of Inland Sea, Fisheries Research Agency, 2-17-5 Maruishi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, Japan
- Research Fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Kojimachi Business Center Building, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shujiro Okuda
- Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1–757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kei Nakayama
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, 2–5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Shikata
- National Research Institute of Fisheries and Environment of Inland Sea, Fisheries Research Agency, 2-17-5 Maruishi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Fumio Takahashi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Rhitsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Haruo Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Aquatic Environmental Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kochi University, 200, Monobe, Nankoku, Kochi, Japan
| | - Setsuko Skamoto
- National Research Institute of Fisheries and Environment of Inland Sea, Fisheries Research Agency, 2-17-5 Maruishi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mineo Yamaguchi
- National Research Institute of Fisheries and Environment of Inland Sea, Fisheries Research Agency, 2-17-5 Maruishi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuji Tomaru
- National Research Institute of Fisheries and Environment of Inland Sea, Fisheries Research Agency, 2-17-5 Maruishi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, Japan
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Murray SA, Diwan R, Orr RJS, Kohli GS, John U. Gene duplication, loss and selection in the evolution of saxitoxin biosynthesis in alveolates. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2015; 92:165-80. [PMID: 26140862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2015.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A group of marine dinoflagellates (Alveolata, Eukaryota), consisting of ∼10 species of the genus Alexandrium, Gymnodinium catenatum and Pyrodinium bahamense, produce the toxin saxitoxin and its analogues (STX), which can accumulate in shellfish, leading to ecosystem and human health impacts. The genes, sxt, putatively involved in STX biosynthesis, have recently been identified, however, the evolution of these genes within dinoflagellates is not clear. There are two reasons for this: uncertainty over the phylogeny of dinoflagellates; and that the sxt genes of many species of Alexandrium and other dinoflagellate genera are not known. Here, we determined the phylogeny of STX-producing and other dinoflagellates based on a concatenated eight-gene alignment. We determined the presence, diversity and phylogeny of sxtA, domains A1 and A4 and sxtG in 52 strains of Alexandrium, and a further 43 species of dinoflagellates and thirteen other alveolates. We confirmed the presence and high sequence conservation of sxtA, domain A4, in 40 strains (35 Alexandrium, 1 Pyrodinium, 4 Gymnodinium) of 8 species of STX-producing dinoflagellates, and absence from non-producing species. We found three paralogs of sxtA, domain A1, and a widespread distribution of sxtA1 in non-STX producing dinoflagellates, indicating duplication events in the evolution of this gene. One paralog, clade 2, of sxtA1 may be particularly related to STX biosynthesis. Similarly, sxtG appears to be generally restricted to STX-producing species, while three amidinotransferase gene paralogs were found in dinoflagellates. We investigated the role of positive (diversifying) selection following duplication in sxtA1 and sxtG, and found negative selection in clades of sxtG and sxtA1, clade 2, suggesting they were functionally constrained. Significant episodic diversifying selection was found in some strains in clade 3 of sxtA1, a clade that may not be involved in STX biosynthesis, indicating pressure for diversification of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shauna A Murray
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rutuja Diwan
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman, NSW, Australia
| | - Russell J S Orr
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Gurjeet S Kohli
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Uwe John
- Section Ecological Chemistry, Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany
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29
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Polyketide synthesis genes associated with toxin production in two species of Gambierdiscus (Dinophyceae). BMC Genomics 2015; 16:410. [PMID: 26016672 PMCID: PMC4445524 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1625-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Marine microbial protists, in particular, dinoflagellates, produce polyketide toxins with ecosystem-wide and human health impacts. Species of Gambierdiscus produce the polyether ladder compounds ciguatoxins and maitotoxins, which can lead to ciguatera fish poisoning, a serious human illness associated with reef fish consumption. Genes associated with the biosynthesis of polyether ladder compounds are yet to be elucidated, however, stable isotope feeding studies of such compounds consistently support their polyketide origin indicating that polyketide synthases are involved in their biosynthesis. Results Here, we report the toxicity, genome size, gene content and transcriptome of Gambierdiscus australes and G. belizeanus. G. australes produced maitotoxin-1 and maitotoxin-3, while G. belizeanus produced maitotoxin-3, for which cell extracts were toxic to mice by IP injection (LD50 = 3.8 mg kg-1). The gene catalogues comprised 83,353 and 84,870 unique contigs, with genome sizes of 32.5 ± 3.7 Gbp and 35 ± 0.88 Gbp, respectively, and are amongst the most comprehensive yet reported from a dinoflagellate. We found three hundred and six genes involved in polyketide biosynthesis, including one hundred and ninty-two ketoacyl synthase transcripts, which formed five unique phylogenetic clusters. Conclusions Two clusters were unique to these maitotoxin-producing dinoflagellate species, suggesting that they may be associated with maitotoxin biosynthesis. This work represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the genetic basis of polyketide production in dinoflagellates, in particular, species responsible for ciguatera fish poisoning. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1625-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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30
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Meyer JM, Rödelsperger C, Eichholz K, Tillmann U, Cembella A, McGaughran A, John U. Transcriptomic characterisation and genomic glimps into the toxigenic dinoflagellate Azadinium spinosum, with emphasis on polykeitde synthase genes. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:27. [PMID: 25612855 PMCID: PMC4316588 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-014-1205-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unicellular dinoflagellates are an important group of primary producers within the marine plankton community. Many of these species are capable of forming harmful algae blooms (HABs) and of producing potent phycotoxins, thereby causing deleterious impacts on their environment and posing a threat to human health. The recently discovered toxigenic dinoflagellate Azadinium spinosum is known to produce azaspiracid toxins. These toxins are most likely produced by polyketide synthases (PKS). Recently, PKS I-like transcripts have been identified in a number of dinoflagellate species. Despite the global distribution of A. spinosum, little is known about molecular features. In this study, we investigate the genomic and transcriptomic features of A. spinosum with a focus on polyketide synthesis and PKS evolution. RESULTS We identify orphan and homologous genes by comparing the transcriptome data of A. spinosum with a diverse set of 18 other dinoflagellates, five further species out of the Rhizaria Alveolate Stramelopile (RAS)-group, and one representative from the Plantae. The number of orphan genes in the analysed dinoflagellate species averaged 27%. In contrast, within the A. spinosum transcriptome, we discovered 12,661 orphan transcripts (18%). The dinoflagellates toxins known as azaspiracids (AZAs) are structurally polyethers; we therefore analyse the transcriptome of A. spinosum with respect to polyketide synthases (PKSs), the primary biosynthetic enzymes in polyketide synthesis. We find all the genes thought to be potentially essential for polyketide toxin synthesis to be expressed in A. spinosum, whose PKS transcripts fall into the dinoflagellate sub-clade in PKS evolution. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we demonstrate that the number of orphan genes in the A. spinosum genome is relatively small compared to other dinoflagellate species. In addition, all PKS domains needed to produce the azaspiracid carbon backbone are present in A. spinosum. Our study underscores the extraordinary evolution of such gene clusters and, in particular, supports the proposed structural and functional paradigm for PKS Type I genes in dinoflagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M Meyer
- Ecological Chemistry, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany. .,Evolutionary biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Christian Rödelsperger
- Evolutionary biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Karsten Eichholz
- Ecological Chemistry, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany. .,Adenoviridae: Receptors, Trafficking and Vectorology, Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Urban Tillmann
- Ecological Chemistry, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - Allan Cembella
- Ecological Chemistry, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - Angela McGaughran
- Evolutionary biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Uwe John
- Ecological Chemistry, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany.
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Van Dolah FM, Zippay ML, Pezzolesi L, Rein KS, Johnson JG, Morey JS, Wang Z, Pistocchi R. Subcellular localization of dinoflagellate polyketide synthases and fatty acid synthase activity. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2013; 49:1118-1127. [PMID: 27007632 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2013] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Dinoflagellates are prolific producers of polyketide secondary metabolites. Dinoflagellate polyketide synthases (PKSs) have sequence similarity to Type I PKSs, megasynthases that encode all catalytic domains on a single polypeptide. However, in dinoflagellate PKSs identified to date, each catalytic domain resides on a separate transcript, suggesting multiprotein complexes similar to Type II PKSs. Here, we provide evidence through coimmunoprecipitation that single-domain ketosynthase and ketoreductase proteins interact, suggesting a predicted multiprotein complex. In Karenia brevis (C.C. Davis) Gert Hansen & Ø. Moestrup, previously observed chloroplast localization of PKSs suggested that brevetoxin biosynthesis may take place in the chloroplast. Here, we report that PKSs are present in both cytosol and chloroplast. Furthermore, brevetoxin is not present in isolated chloroplasts, raising the question of what chloroplast-localized PKS enzymes might be doing. Antibodies to K. brevis PKSs recognize cytosolic and chloroplast proteins in Ostreopsis cf. ovata Fukuyo, and Coolia monotis Meunier, which produce different suites of polyketide toxins, suggesting that these PKSs may share common pathways. Since PKSs are closely related to fatty acid synthases (FAS), we sought to determine if fatty acid biosynthesis colocalizes with either chloroplast or cytosolic PKSs. [(3) H]acetate labeling showed fatty acids are synthesized in the cytosol, with little incorporation in chloroplasts, consistent with a Type I FAS system. However, although 29 sequences in a K. brevis expressed sequence tag database have similarity (BLASTx e-value <10(-10) ) to PKSs, no transcripts for either Type I (cytosolic) or Type II (chloroplast) FAS are present. Further characterization of the FAS complexes may help to elucidate the functions of the PKS enzymes identified in dinoflagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances M Van Dolah
- Marine Biotoxins Program, NOAA Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, USA
- Marine Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, USA
| | - Mackenzie L Zippay
- Marine Biotoxins Program, NOAA Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, USA
- Marine Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, USA
| | - Laura Pezzolesi
- Interdepartmental Research Centre for Environmental Science (CIRSA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, 48123, Italy
| | - Kathleen S Rein
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, 33199, USA
| | - Jillian G Johnson
- Marine Biotoxins Program, NOAA Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, USA
- Marine Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, USA
| | - Jeanine S Morey
- Marine Biotoxins Program, NOAA Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, USA
| | - Zhihong Wang
- Marine Biotoxins Program, NOAA Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, USA
| | - Rossella Pistocchi
- Interdepartmental Research Centre for Environmental Science (CIRSA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, 48123, Italy
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