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Vlasenko AE, Pereverzeva AO, Velansky PV, Magarlamov TY. Tetrodotoxins in Tissues and Cells of Different Body Regions of Ribbon Worms Kulikovia alborostrata and K. manchenkoi from Spokoynaya Bay, Sea of Japan. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:186. [PMID: 38668611 PMCID: PMC11053740 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16040186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Nemerteans, or ribbon worms, possess tetrodotoxin and its analogues (TTXs), neurotoxins of bacterial origin, which they presumably use for capturing prey and self-defense. Most TTXs-containing nemertean species have low levels of these toxins and, therefore, have usually been neglected in studies of TTXs functions and accumulation. In the present study, Kulikovia alborostrata and K. manchenkoi, two closely related species, were analyzed for TTXs distribution in the body using the HPLC-MS/MS and fluorescence microscopy methods. The abundance of TTXs-positive cells was determined in the proboscis, integument, and digestive system epithelium. As a result, six TTXs-positive cell types were identified in each species; however, only four were common. Moreover, the proportions of the toxins in different body parts were estimated. According to the HPLC-MS/MS analysis, the TTXs concentrations in K. alborostrata varied from 0.91 ng/g in the proboscis to 5.52 ng/g in the precerebral region; in K. manchenkoi, the concentrations ranged from 7.47 ng/g in the proboscis to 72.32 ng/g in the posterior body region. The differences observed between the two nemerteans in the distribution of the TTXs were consistent with the differences in the localization of TTXs-positive cells. In addition, TTXs-positive glandular cell types were found in the intestine and characterized for the first time. TTXs in the new cell types were assumed to play a unique physiological role for nemerteans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Timur Yu. Magarlamov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
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Malykin GV, Velansky PV, Magarlamov TY. Tetrodotoxin and Its Analogues (TTXs) in the Food-Capture and Defense Organs of the Palaeonemertean Cephalothrix cf. simula. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:43. [PMID: 38251259 PMCID: PMC10818845 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX), an extremely potent low-molecular-weight neurotoxin, is widespread among marine animals including ribbon worms (Nemertea). Previously, studies on the highly toxic palaeonemertean Cephalothrix cf. simula showed that toxin-positive structures are present all over its body and are mainly associated with glandular cells and epithelial tissues. The highest TTXs concentrations were detected in a total extract from the intestine of the anterior part of the body and also in a total extract from the proboscis. However, many questions as to the TTXs distribution in the organs of the anterior part of the worm's body and the functions of the toxins in these organs are still unanswered. In the present report, we provide additional results of a detailed and comprehensive analysis of TTXs distribution in the nemertean's proboscis, buccal cavity, and cephalic gland using an integrated approach including high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), confocal laser scanning microscopy with anti-TTX antibodies, light and electron microscopies, and observations of feeding behavior. For the proboscis, we have found a TTXs profile different from that characteristic of other organs and tissues. We have also shown for the first time that the major amount of TTXs is localized in the anterior part of the proboscis that is mainly involved in hunting. TTX-containing glandular cells, which can be involved in the prey immobilization, have been found in the buccal cavities of the nemerteans. A significant contribution of the cephalic gland to the toxicity of this animal has been shown for the first time, and the role of the gland is hypothesized to be involved not only in protection against potential enemies but also in immobilizing prey. The data obtained have made it possible to extend the understanding of the role and features of the use of TTXs in the organs of the anterior part of nemertean's body.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Timur Yu. Magarlamov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
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3
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Ito M, Furukawa R, Yasukawa S, Sato M, Oyama H, Okabe T, Suo R, Sugita H, Takatani T, Arakawa O, Adachi M, Nishikawa T, Itoi S. Local Differences in the Toxin Amount and Composition of Tetrodotoxin and Related Compounds in Pufferfish ( Chelonodon patoca) and Toxic Goby ( Yongeichthys criniger) Juveniles. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:150. [PMID: 35202177 PMCID: PMC8876675 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14020150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX)-bearing fish ingest TTX from their preys through the food chain and accumulate TTX in their bodies. Although a wide variety of TTX-bearing organisms have been reported, the missing link in the TTX supply chain has not been elucidated completely. Here, we investigated the composition of TTX and 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX in juveniles of the pufferfish, Chelonodon patoca, and toxic goby, Yongeichthys criniger, using LC-MS/MS, to resolve the missing link in the TTX supply chain. The TTX concentration varied among samples from different localities, sampling periods and fish species. In the samples from the same locality, the TTX concentration was significantly higher in the toxic goby juveniles than in the pufferfish juveniles. The concentration of TTX in all the pufferfish juveniles was significantly higher than that of 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX, whereas the compositional ratio of TTX and 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX in the goby was different among sampling localities. However, the TTX/5,6,11-trideoxyTTX ratio in the goby was not different among samples collected from the same locality at different periods. Based on a species-specific PCR, the detection rate of the toxic flatworm (Planocera multitentaculata)-specific sequence (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) also varied between the intestinal contents of the pufferfish and toxic goby collected at different localities and periods. These results suggest that although the larvae of the toxic flatworm are likely to be responsible for the toxification of the pufferfish and toxic goby juveniles by TTX, these fish juveniles are also likely to feed on other TTX-bearing organisms depending on their habitat, and they also possess different accumulation mechanisms of TTX and 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Ito
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan; (M.I.); (R.F.); (S.Y.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (T.O.); (R.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Risako Furukawa
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan; (M.I.); (R.F.); (S.Y.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (T.O.); (R.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Shino Yasukawa
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan; (M.I.); (R.F.); (S.Y.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (T.O.); (R.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Masaya Sato
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan; (M.I.); (R.F.); (S.Y.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (T.O.); (R.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Hikaru Oyama
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan; (M.I.); (R.F.); (S.Y.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (T.O.); (R.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Taiki Okabe
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan; (M.I.); (R.F.); (S.Y.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (T.O.); (R.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Rei Suo
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan; (M.I.); (R.F.); (S.Y.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (T.O.); (R.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Haruo Sugita
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan; (M.I.); (R.F.); (S.Y.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (T.O.); (R.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Tomohiro Takatani
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (T.T.); (O.A.)
| | - Osamu Arakawa
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (T.T.); (O.A.)
| | - Masaatsu Adachi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan;
| | - Toshio Nishikawa
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan;
| | - Shiro Itoi
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan; (M.I.); (R.F.); (S.Y.); (M.S.); (H.O.); (T.O.); (R.S.); (H.S.)
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Okabe T, Saito R, Yamamoto K, Watanabe R, Kaneko Y, Yanaoka M, Furukoshi S, Yasukawa S, Ito M, Oyama H, Suo R, Suzuki M, Takatani T, Arakawa O, Sugita H, Itoi S. The role of toxic planocerid flatworm larvae on tetrodotoxin accumulation in marine bivalves. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 237:105908. [PMID: 34273772 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX), also known as pufferfish toxin, has been detected in marine edible bivalves worldwide. In this study, several bivalve species, Azumapecten farreri subsp. akazara, Patinopecten yessoensis and Mytilus galloprovincialis, collected from the Pacific side of the northern Japanese Islands, were studied for the accumulation of TTX in the presence of toxic planocerid larvae. LC-MS/MS analysis demonstrated that TTX was detected only in the midgut gland of A. farreri subsp. akazara. Toxic flatworm-specific PCR and direct sequencing of the amplicons showed that the DNA fragments of the Planocera multitentaculata COI gene were detected in the gut contents of the toxified bivalves. The planocerid larvae were also detected in the environmental seawaters. Toxification experiments in the aquarium demonstrated that the mussel M. galloprovincialis was also toxified by feeding on the toxic flatworm larvae. These results suggest that the source of TTX accumulation in edible bivalves is toxic flatworm larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Okabe
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Rion Saito
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Kohei Yamamoto
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Riku Watanabe
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kaneko
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Yanaoka
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Seika Furukoshi
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Shino Yasukawa
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Masaaki Ito
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Hikaru Oyama
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Rei Suo
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Miwa Suzuki
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Takatani
- Graduate School of Fisheries Science and Environmental Studies, Nagasaki University, Bunkyo 1-14, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Osamu Arakawa
- Graduate School of Fisheries Science and Environmental Studies, Nagasaki University, Bunkyo 1-14, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Haruo Sugita
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - Shiro Itoi
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan.
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5
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Vlasenko AE, Magarlamov TY. Tetrodotoxin and Its Analogues in Cephalothrix cf. simula (Nemertea: Palaeonemertea) from the Sea of Japan (Peter the Great Gulf): Intrabody Distribution and Secretions. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12120745. [PMID: 33256088 PMCID: PMC7760002 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12120745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Some nemertean species from the genus Cephalothrix accumulate tetrodotoxin (TTX) in extremely high concentrations. The current study is the first to provide high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) data on tetrodotoxin and its analogues (TTXs) profile and concentration in different regions and organs of Cephalothrix cf. simula, and its secretions produced in response to stimulation. Different specimens of C. cf. simula possessed 7-11 analogues, including nine previously found in this species and two new for nemerteans-4,9-anhydro-8-epi-5,6,11-trideoxyTTX and 1-hydroxy-8-epi-5,6,11-trideoxyTTX. The study of the toxins' distribution in different regions and organs of nemerteans revealed the same qualitative composition of TTXs throughout the body but differences in the total concentration of the toxins. The total concentration of TTXs was highest in the anterior region of the body and decreased towards the posterior; the ratio of the analogues also differed between regions. The data obtained suggest a pathway of TTXs uptake in C. cf. simula and the role of toxins in the life activity of nemerteans.
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Göransson U, Jacobsson E, Strand M, Andersson HS. The Toxins of Nemertean Worms. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E120. [PMID: 30781381 PMCID: PMC6410017 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11020120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Most ribbon worms (phylum: Nemertea) are found in marine environments, where they act as predators and scavengers. They are characterized by an eversible proboscis that isused to hunt for prey and thick mucus covering their skin. Both proboscis and epidermal mucus mediate toxicity to predators and preys. Research into the chemical nature of the substances that render toxicity has not been extensive, but it has nevertheless led to the identification of several compounds of potential medicinal use or for application in biotechnology. This review provides a complete account of the current status of research into nemertean toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Göransson
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Erik Jacobsson
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Malin Strand
- Swedish Species Information Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Håkan S Andersson
- Linnaeus University Centre for Biomaterials Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39231 Kalmar, Sweden.
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Sagorny C, Wesseler C, Krämer D, von Döhren J. Assessing the diversity and distribution of Cephalothrix
species (Nemertea: Palaeonemertea) in European waters by comparing different species delimitation methods. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sagorny
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; Bonn Germany
| | - Carina Wesseler
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; Bonn Germany
| | - Daria Krämer
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; Bonn Germany
| | - Jörn von Döhren
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; Bonn Germany
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Turner AD, Fenwick D, Powell A, Dhanji-Rapkova M, Ford C, Hatfield RG, Santos A, Martinez-Urtaza J, Bean TP, Baker-Austin C, Stebbing P. New Invasive Nemertean Species ( Cephalothrix Simula) in England with High Levels of Tetrodotoxin and a Microbiome Linked to Toxin Metabolism. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:E452. [PMID: 30453540 PMCID: PMC6266807 DOI: 10.3390/md16110452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The marine nemertean Cephalothrix simula originates from the Pacific Ocean but in recent years has been discovered in northern Europe. The species has been associated with high levels of the marine neurotoxin Tetrodotoxin, traditionally associated with Pufferfish Poisoning. This study reports the first discovery of two organisms of C. simula in the UK, showing the geographical extent of this species is wider than originally described. Species identification was initially conducted morphologically, with confirmation by Cox 1 DNA sequencing. 16S gene sequencing enabled the taxonomic assignment of the microbiome, showing the prevalence of a large number of bacterial genera previously associated with TTX production including Alteromonas, Vibrio and Pseudomonas. LC-MS/MS analysis of the nemertean tissue revealed the presence of multiple analogues of TTX, dominated by the parent TTX, with a total toxin concentration quantified at 54 µg TTX per g of tissue. Pseudomonas luteola isolated from C. simula, together with Vibrio alginolyticus from the native nemertean Tubulanus annulatus, were cultured at low temperature and both found to contain TTX. Overall, this paper confirms the high toxicity of a newly discovered invasive nemertean species with links to toxin-producing marine bacteria and the potential risk to human safety. Further work is required to assess the geographical extent and toxicity range of C. simula along the UK coast in order to properly gauge the potential impacts on the environment and human safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Turner
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | | | - Andy Powell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Monika Dhanji-Rapkova
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Charlotte Ford
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Robert G Hatfield
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Andres Santos
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
- Laboratory of Applied and Molecular Biology, Avenida Alemania 0458, 4810296 Temuco, Chile.
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, 4811230 Temuco, Chile.
| | - Jaime Martinez-Urtaza
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Tim P Bean
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Paul Stebbing
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
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Vlasenko AE, Velansky PV, Chernyshev AV, Kuznetsov VG, Magarlamov TY. Tetrodotoxin and its analogues profile in nemertean species from the sea of Japan. Toxicon 2018; 156:48-51. [PMID: 30439440 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
For the first time search for tetrodotoxin (TTX) and its analogues in the extracts of nemerteans using HPLC-MS/MS was performed. TTX analogues were detected in two nemertean species in addition to TTX: 7 analogues were detected in the extract of Cephalothrix simula, 3 analogues - in the extract 11-norTTX of Kulikovia manchenkoi. Presence of 5-deoxyTTX, 11-deoxyTTX, 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX and -6(R)-ol in nemerteans was shown for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Vlasenko
- National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia
| | - P V Velansky
- National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia
| | - A V Chernyshev
- National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia; School of Natural Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, 690092, Russia
| | - V G Kuznetsov
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, 690092, Russia
| | - T Yu Magarlamov
- National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia.
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Turner AD, Dhanji-Rapkova M, Dean K, Milligan S, Hamilton M, Thomas J, Poole C, Haycock J, Spelman-Marriott J, Watson A, Hughes K, Marr B, Dixon A, Coates L. Fatal Canine Intoxications Linked to the Presence of Saxitoxins in Stranded Marine Organisms Following Winter Storm Activity. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:E94. [PMID: 29495385 PMCID: PMC5869382 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10030094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
At the start of 2018, multiple incidents of dog illnesses were reported following consumption of marine species washed up onto the beaches of eastern England after winter storms. Over a two-week period, nine confirmed illnesses including two canine deaths were recorded. Symptoms in the affected dogs included sickness, loss of motor control, and muscle paralysis. Samples of flatfish, starfish, and crab from the beaches in the affected areas were analysed for a suite of naturally occurring marine neurotoxins of dinoflagellate origin. Toxins causing paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) were detected and quantified using two independent chemical testing methods in samples of all three marine types, with concentrations over 14,000 µg saxitoxin (STX) eq/kg found in one starfish sample. Further evidence for PSP intoxication of the dogs was obtained with the positive identification of PSP toxins in a vomited crab sample from one deceased dog and in gastrointestinal samples collected post mortem from a second affected dog. Together, this is the first report providing evidence of starfish being implicated in a PSP intoxication case and the first report of PSP in canines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Turner
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Monika Dhanji-Rapkova
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Karl Dean
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Steven Milligan
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Mike Hamilton
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Julie Thomas
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Chris Poole
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Jo Haycock
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
| | - Jo Spelman-Marriott
- Taverham Veterinary Hospital, Fir Covert Road, Taverham, Norwich, Norfolk NR8 6HT, UK.
| | - Alice Watson
- Taverham Veterinary Hospital, Fir Covert Road, Taverham, Norwich, Norfolk NR8 6HT, UK.
| | - Katherine Hughes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
| | - Bridget Marr
- Environment Agency, Dragonfly House, 2 Gilders Way, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1UB, UK.
| | - Alan Dixon
- North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9EN, UK.
| | - Lewis Coates
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
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Tetrodotoxin-Producing Bacteria: Detection, Distribution and Migration of the Toxin in Aquatic Systems. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9050166. [PMID: 28513564 PMCID: PMC5450714 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9050166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This review is devoted to the marine bacterial producers of tetrodotoxin (TTX), a potent non-protein neuroparalytic toxin. In addition to the issues of the ecology and distribution of TTX-producing bacteria, this review examines issues relating to toxin migration from bacteria to TTX-bearing animals. It is shown that the mechanism of TTX extraction from toxin-producing bacteria to the environment occur through cell death, passive/active toxin excretion, or spore germination of spore-forming bacteria. Data on TTX microdistribution in toxic organs of TTX-bearing animals indicate toxin migration from the digestive system to target organs through the transport system of the organism. The role of symbiotic microflora in animal toxicity is also discussed: despite low toxin production by bacterial strains in laboratory conditions, even minimal amounts of TTX produced by intestinal microflora of an animal can contribute to its toxicity. Special attention is paid to methods of TTX detection applicable to bacteria. Due to the complexity of toxin detection in TTX-producing bacteria, it is necessary to use several methods based on different methodological approaches. Issues crucial for further progress in detecting natural sources of TTX investigation are also considered.
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Salvitti L, Wood SA, Taylor DI, McNabb P, Cary SC. First identification of tetrodotoxin (TTX) in the flatworm Stylochoplana sp.; a source of TTX for the sea slug Pleurobranchaea maculata. Toxicon 2014; 95:23-9. [PMID: 25557071 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
High concentrations of the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin (TTX) were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in the Platyhelminthes Stylochoplana sp. from Pilot Bay (Tauranga, New Zealand). This is the first detection of TTX in this genus. Concentrations were monitored from March to November (2013) and found to significantly decrease from a peak in July (avg. 551 mg kg(-1)) to November (avg. 140 mg kg(-1)). Stylochoplana sp. co-occurred with TTX-containing Pleurobranchaea maculata (Opisthobranchia). A Stylochoplana sp.-specific real-time PCR assay was developed targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene to determine if P. maculata consumed Stylochoplana sp. Positive Stylochoplana sp. signals were obtained for 7 of 19 P. maculata tested. Mass calculations indicate Stylochoplana sp. could supply Pilot Bay P. maculata with the TTX required to account for the concentrations reported in previous studies (ca. 1.04 mg TTX per individual) based on an ingestion rate of one individual every 2-3 days throughout their lifetime. However, due to the lack of Stylochoplana sp. in areas with dense P. maculata populations, and high concentration (ca. 1400 mg kg(-1)) of TTX detected in some individuals, it is unlikely that Stylochoplana sp. represent the sole source of TTX in P. maculata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Salvitti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - Susanna A Wood
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand; Cawthron Institute, Nelson 7042, New Zealand
| | | | - Paul McNabb
- Cawthron Institute, Nelson 7042, New Zealand
| | - S Craig Cary
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
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Leasi F, Norenburg JL. The necessity of DNA taxonomy to reveal cryptic diversity and spatial distribution of meiofauna, with a focus on Nemertea. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104385. [PMID: 25093815 PMCID: PMC4122443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiofauna represent one of the most abundant and diverse communities in marine benthic ecosystems. However, an accurate assessment of diversity at the level of species has been and remains challenging for these microscopic organisms. Therefore, for many taxa, especially the soft body forms such as nemerteans, which often lack clear diagnostic morphological traits, DNA taxonomy is an effective means to assess species diversity. Morphological taxonomy of Nemertea is well documented as complicated by scarcity of unambiguous character states and compromised by diagnoses of a majority of species (and higher clades) being inadequate or based on ambiguous characters and character states. Therefore, recent studies have advocated for the primacy of molecular tools to solve the taxonomy of this group. DNA taxonomy uncovers possible hidden cryptic species, provides a coherent means to systematize taxa in definite clades, and also reveals possible biogeographic patterns. Here, we analyze diversity of nemertean species by considering the barcode region of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) and different species delineation approaches in order to infer evolutionarily significant units. In the aim to uncover actual diversity of meiofaunal nemerteans across different sites in Central America, COI sequences were obtained for specimens assigned here to the genera Cephalothrix, Ototyphlonemertes, and Tetrastemma-like worms, each commonly encountered in our sampling. Additional genetic, taxonomic, and geographic data of other specimens belonging to these genera were added from GenBank. Results are consistent across different DNA taxonomy approaches, and revealed (i) the presence of several hidden cryptic species and (ii) numerous potential misidentifications due to traditional taxonomy. (iii) We additionally test a possible biogeographic pattern of taxonomic units revealed by this study, and, except for a few cases, the putative species seem not to be widely distributed, in contrast to what traditional taxonomy would suggest for the recognized morphotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Leasi
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Jon L. Norenburg
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
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Tetrodotoxin-producing Bacillus sp. from the ribbon worm (Nemertea) Cephalothrix simula (Iwata, 1952). Toxicon 2014; 85:46-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 04/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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