scholarly journals Production of Cyanotoxins by Microcystis aeruginosa Mediates Interactions with the Mixotrophic Flagellate Cryptomonas

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah DeVaul Princiotta ◽  
Susan P. Hendricks ◽  
David S. White
Keyword(s):  
Food Web ◽  
Microcystis Aeruginosa ◽  
Harmful Algal Blooms ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
Secondary Compounds ◽  
Toxin Production ◽  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Allelopathic Interactions

Eutrophication of inland waters is expected to increase the frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Toxin-production associated with HABs has negative effects on human health and aquatic ecosystem functioning. Despite evidence that flagellates can ingest toxin-producing cyanobacteria, interactions between members of the microbial loop are underestimated in our understanding of the food web and algal bloom dynamics. Physical and allelopathic interactions between a mixotrophic flagellate (Cryptomonas sp.) and two strains of a cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa) were investigated in a full-factorial experiment in culture. The maximum population growth rate of the mixotroph (0.25 day−1) occurred during incubation with filtrate from toxic M. aeruginosa. Cryptomonas was able to ingest toxic and non-toxic M. aeruginosa at maximal rates of 0.5 and 0.3 cells day−1, respectively. The results establish that although Cryptomonas does not derive benefits from co-incubation with M. aeruginosa, it may obtain nutritional supplement from filtrate. We also provide evidence of a reduction in cyanotoxin concentration (microcystin-LR) when toxic M. aeruginosa is incubated with the mixotroph. Our work has implications for “trophic upgrading” within the microbial food web, where cyanobacterivory by nanoflagellates may improve food quality for higher trophic levels and detoxify secondary compounds.

scholarly journals Asynchrony of Gambierdiscus spp. Abundance and Toxicity in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Implications for Monitoring and Management of Ciguatera

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 413
Author(s):  
Justin D. Liefer ◽  
Mindy L. Richlen ◽  
Tyler B. Smith ◽  
Jennifer L. DeBose ◽  
Yixiao Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Harmful Algal Blooms ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Virgin Islands ◽  
Coastal Communities ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Us Virgin Islands ◽  
Benthic Dinoflagellates ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The U.S

Ciguatera poisoning (CP) poses a significant threat to ecosystem services and fishery resources in coastal communities. The CP-causative ciguatoxins (CTXs) are produced by benthic dinoflagellates including Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa spp., and enter reef food webs via grazing on macroalgal substrates. In this study, we report on a 3-year monthly time series in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands where Gambierdiscus spp. abundance and Caribbean-CTX toxicity in benthic samples were compared to key environmental factors, including temperature, salinity, nutrients, benthic cover, and physical data. We found that peak Gambierdiscus abundance occurred in summer while CTX-specific toxicity peaked in cooler months (Feb–May) when the mean water temperatures were approximately 26–28 °C. These trends were most evident at deeper offshore sites where macroalgal cover was highest year-round. Other environmental parameters were not correlated with the CTX variability observed over time. The asynchrony between Gambierdiscus spp. abundance and toxicity reflects potential differences in toxin cell quotas among Gambierdiscus species with concomitant variability in their abundances throughout the year. These results have significant implications for monitoring and management of benthic harmful algal blooms and highlights potential seasonal and highly-localized pulses in reef toxin loads that may be transferred to higher trophic levels.

scholarly journals Responses of food web to hypolimnetic aeration in Lake Vesijärvi

Hydrobiologia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 847 (21) ◽  
pp. 4503-4523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jukka Ruuhijärvi ◽  
Tommi Malinen ◽  
Kirsi Kuoppamäki ◽  
Pasi Ala-Opas ◽  
Mika Vinni
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Food Web ◽  
Harmful Algal Blooms ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
Perca Fluviatilis ◽  
Fish Predation ◽  
Filamentous Cyanobacteria ◽  
Low Oxygen ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Oxygen Conditions

AbstractWe studied the responses of a food web, especially fish and zooplankton, to summertime aeration, pumping of oxygen-rich epilimnetic water to the hypolimnion in Lake Vesijärvi, southern Finland. The aim of hypolimnetic aeration was to reduce internal loading of phosphorus from sediment. The population of smelt (Osmerus eperlanus L.), the main planktivore of the pelagial area, collapsed during the two 1st years of aeration due to increased temperature and low oxygen concentrations in the hypolimnion. The population recovered after the 4th year of hypolimnetic aeration, when oxygen conditions were improved. Despite elevated hypolimnetic temperature, smelt reached exceptionally high abundance, which led to a significant reduction in cladoceran body size. The density of perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) increased at first, but then decreased when the proportion of smelt and cyprinids increased. Biomasses of Daphnia decreased probably as a result of the disappearance of dark, low-oxygen deep-water refuge against fish predation and low availability of nutritionally high-quality algae. Occasionally filamentous cyanobacteria, such as turbulence tolerant Planktothrix agardhii (Gomont), were abundant, suggesting deteriorated food resources for zooplankton. The responses of food web were controversial with respect to the aim of the management, which was to prevent the occurrence of harmful algal blooms.

scholarly journals Understanding the Differences in the Growth and Toxin Production of Anatoxin-Producing Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi Cultured with Inorganic and Organic N Sources from a New Perspective: Carbon/Nitrogen Metabolic Balance

Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 724
Author(s):  
Siyi Tao ◽  
Suqin Wang ◽  
Lirong Song ◽  
Nanqin Gan
Keyword(s):  
Harmful Algal Blooms ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
Nitrogen Sources ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Toxin Production ◽  
Organic N ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Metabolic Balance ◽  
N Sources ◽  
Inorganic And Organic

Cyanotoxins are the underlying cause of the threat that globally pervasive Cyanobacteria Harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) pose to humans. Major attention has been focused on the cyanobacterial hepatotoxin microcystins (MCs); however, there is a dearth of studies on cyanobacterial neurotoxin anatoxins. In this study, we explored how an anatoxin-producing Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi strain responded to culture with inorganic and organic nitrogen sources in terms of growth and anatoxins production. The results of our study revealed that ʟ- alanine could greatly boost cell growth, and was associated with the highest cell productivity, while urea significantly stimulated anatoxin production with the maximum anatoxin yield reaching 25.86 μg/mg dry weight, which was 1.56-fold higher than that in the control group (BG11). To further understand whether the carbon/nitrogen balance in C. issatschenkoi would affect anatoxin production, we explored growth and toxin production in response to different carbon/nitrogen ratios (C/N). Anatoxin production was mildly promoted when the C/N ratio was within low range, and significantly inhibited when the C/N ratio was within high range, showing approximately a three-fold difference. Furthermore, the transcriptional profile revealed that anaC gene expression was significantly up-regulated over 2–24 h when the C/N ratio was increased, and was significantly down-regulated after 96 h. Overall, our results further enriched the evidence that urea can stimulate cyanotoxin production, and ʟ-alanine could boost C. issatschenkoi proliferation, thus providing information for better management of aquatic systems. Moreover, by focusing on the intracellular C/N metabolic balance, this study explained the anatoxin production dynamics in C. issatschenkoi in response to different N sources.

scholarly journals Algicidal Activity of Novel Indigenous Bacterial Strain, Paracoccus Sp., Against Harmful Algal Bloom Species, Karenia Mikimotoi

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ning Ding ◽  
Wenjun Du ◽  
Yanlou Feng ◽  
Yuhao Song ◽  
Chao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Strain ◽  
Harmful Algal Blooms ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
Harmful Algal Bloom ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Algicidal Bacteria ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Karenia Mikimotoi

Abstract Harmful algal blooms have deleterious effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health. The application of algicidal bacteria is a promising and environmentally friendly method of preventing and eradicating harmful algal blooms. In this study, a screen for algicidal agents against harmful algal blooms was used to identify an algicidal bacterial strain isolated from a Karenia mikimotoi culture. Strain O-1 exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on harmful K. mikimotoi and was identified as a Paracoccus species via 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. This strain killed K. mikimotoi by secreting active algicidal compounds, which were stable at temperatures of -80–121 °C, but these substances were sensitive to strongly acidic conditions. The algicidal properties of strain O-1 against K. mikimotoi were cell density- and time-dependent. No significant changes or negative effects were noted for two other Chlorophyta species, which highlighted the specificity of the studied algicidal substance. Finally, single-factor experiments revealed the optimum growth conditions of strain O-1 under different pH and temperature conditions. Strain O-1 therefore has potential as a bio-agent for reducing the biomass of harmful K. mikimotoi blooms.

scholarly journals Transcriptional Analysis of Microcystis aeruginosa Co-Cultured with Algicidal Bacteria Brevibacillus laterosporus

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8615
Author(s):  
Yulei Zhang ◽  
Dong Chen ◽  
Ning Zhang ◽  
Feng Li ◽  
Xiaoxia Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microcystis Aeruginosa ◽  
Harmful Algal Blooms ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Acid Synthesis ◽  
Transcriptional Analysis ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Algicidal Bacteria ◽  
Brevibacillus Laterosporus ◽  
Expression Of Genes

Harmful algal blooms caused huge ecological damage and economic losses around the world. Controlling algal blooms by algicidal bacteria is expected to be an effective biological control method. The current study investigated the molecular mechanism of harmful cyanobacteria disrupted by algicidal bacteria. Microcystis aeruginosa was co-cultured with Brevibacillus laterosporus Bl-zj, and RNA-seq based transcriptomic analysis was performed compared to M. aeruginosa, which was cultivated separately. A total of 1706 differentially expressed genes were identified, which were mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism. In the co-cultured group, the expression of genes mainly enriched in photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation were significantly inhibited. However, the expression of the genes related to fatty acid synthesis increased. In addition, the expression of the antioxidant enzymes, such as 2-Cys peroxiredoxin, was increased. These results suggested that B. laterosporus could block the electron transport by attacking the PSI system and complex I of M. aeruginosa, affecting the energy acquisition and causing oxidative damage. This further led to the lipid peroxidation of the microalgal cell membrane, resulting in algal death. The transcriptional analysis of algicidal bacteria in the interaction process can be combined to explain the algicidal mechanism in the future.

scholarly journals Biosynthesis of the neurotoxin domoic acid in a bloom-forming diatom

Science ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 361 (6409) ◽  
pp. 1356-1358 ◽  
Author(s):  
John K. Brunson ◽  
Shaun M. K. McKinnie ◽  
Jonathan R. Chekan ◽  
John P. McCrow ◽  
Zachary D. Miles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Harmful Algal Blooms ◽  
Transcriptome Sequencing ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
Domoic Acid ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Toxin Production ◽  
Growth Conditions

Oceanic harmful algal blooms of Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms produce the potent mammalian neurotoxin domoic acid (DA). Despite decades of research, the molecular basis for its biosynthesis is not known. By using growth conditions known to induce DA production in Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries, we implemented transcriptome sequencing in order to identify DA biosynthesis genes that colocalize in a genomic four-gene cluster. We biochemically investigated the recombinant DA biosynthetic enzymes and linked their mechanisms to the construction of DA’s diagnostic pyrrolidine skeleton, establishing a model for DA biosynthesis. Knowledge of the genetic basis for toxin production provides an orthogonal approach to bloom monitoring and enables study of environmental factors that drive oceanic DA production.

scholarly journals Pathology in Ecological Research With Implications for One Health: Session Summary

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (8) ◽  
pp. 1072-1075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanda M. Haschek ◽  
May Berenbaum ◽  
David E. Hinton ◽  
Michelle Cora ◽  
Neil Chernoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Harmful Algal Blooms ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
One Health ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Toxin Production ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Environmental Carcinogens ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Bee Colony ◽  
Contaminate Drinking Water

This session explored the effects of pollutants on One Health at the ecosystem level that included microbes, insects, fish, and humans. The concept of One Health seeks to synergize medical, veterinary, and other health science disciplines to more effectively advance human and animal health. Presentations explored the interactions of pesticides, pathogens, phytochemicals, and xenobiotic biotransformation in bee colony losses critical for food security (bees have been recently listed under the 2017 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) veterinary feed directive); the role of pathology in identifying the effects of pollutants on fish as sentinels for human health; the effects in rats of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that can persist in the environment and contaminate drinking water; harmful algal blooms and toxin production leading to animal and human disease; and the processing of environmental carcinogens by intestinal microbiota.

scholarly journals Integrated omics unveil the secondary metabolic landscape of a basal dinoflagellate

BMC Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Girish Beedessee ◽  
Takaaki Kubota ◽  
Asuka Arimoto ◽  
Koki Nishitsuji ◽  
Ross F. Waller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Harmful Algal Blooms ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
Toxin Production ◽  
Mrna Isoforms ◽  
Peptide Synthetase ◽  
Integrated Omics ◽  
Large Genome Size ◽  
Post Transcriptional Regulation ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background Some dinoflagellates cause harmful algal blooms, releasing toxic secondary metabolites, to the detriment of marine ecosystems and human health. Our understanding of dinoflagellate toxin biosynthesis has been hampered by their unusually large genomes. To overcome this challenge, for the first time, we sequenced the genome, microRNAs, and mRNA isoforms of a basal dinoflagellate, Amphidinium gibbosum, and employed an integrated omics approach to understand its secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Results We assembled the ~ 6.4-Gb A. gibbosum genome, and by probing decoded dinoflagellate genomes and transcriptomes, we identified the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase adenylation domain as essential for generation of specialized metabolites. Upon starving the cells of phosphate and nitrogen, we observed pronounced shifts in metabolite biosynthesis, suggestive of post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs. Using Iso-Seq and RNA-seq data, we found that alternative splicing and polycistronic expression generate different transcripts for secondary metabolism. Conclusions Our genomic findings suggest intricate integration of various metabolic enzymes that function iteratively to synthesize metabolites, providing mechanistic insights into how dinoflagellates synthesize secondary metabolites, depending upon nutrient availability. This study provides insights into toxin production associated with dinoflagellate blooms. The genome of this basal dinoflagellate provides important clues about dinoflagellate evolution and overcomes the large genome size, which has been a challenge previously.

Unprecedented toxic algal blooms impact on Tasmanian seafood industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustaaf Hallegraeff ◽  
Christopher Bolch
Keyword(s):  
Harmful Algal Blooms ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
East Coast ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Rock Lobster ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Risk Area ◽  
Seafood Industry ◽  
Hab Species

While most microscopic algae provide food for filter-feeding shellfish and larvae of crustaceans and finfish, other so-called Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) can have negative effects, causing severe economic losses to aquaculture, fisheries and tourism. Of greatest concern to human society are blooms of toxic HAB species that cause illness and death of fish, seabirds and mammals via toxins transferred through the food web. Unprecedented Alexandrium (Dinophyceae) blooms along the East Coast of Tasmania in 2012 and 2015, a previously low biotoxin risk area, led to major impacts on the local oyster, mussel, scallop and rock lobster industries. Four human hospitalisations also occurred from eating wild shellfish.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document