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Marine Drugs
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Algal Toxins II, 2017
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Algal Toxins II, 2017

A special issue of Marine Drugs (ISSN 1660-3397).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2017) | Viewed by 33170

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. John P. Berry

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Guest Editor
Institute of Environment, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University (FIU), 354 Marine Science, Biscayne Bay Campus, 3000 NE 151st St., North Miami, FL 33181, USA
Interests: cyanobacteria; toxins; bioactive compounds; zebrafish embryo model; natural products
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Algae are fundamental components of essentially all aquatic, including both marine and freshwater, systems.  Furthermore, both macroalgae (i.e., "seaweeds”) and microalgae—which span several eukaryotic (i.e., protist) and prokaryotic (i.e., cyanobacteria) taxa—are recognized producers of a myriad of bioactive metabolites of growing interest as both potential environmental toxins, and alternatively potential leads to novel drugs.  In this regard, bioactive compounds from algae arguably represent “two sides of a coin” whereby understanding their potential as toxins is closely linked, in turn, with understanding their biomedical potential, particularly in relation to possible leads to drugs or related applications. As such, this Special Issue will focus on algal “toxins,” and more generally bioactive metabolites, including interrelated aspects of (1) discovery of new toxic or otherwise bioactive metabolites; (2) innovative toxicological and/or pharmacological approaches to characterize biological activity; (3) advancements in our understanding of the biosynthesis of algal toxins; and (4) development and/or innovative application of analytical techniques aimed at evaluating the contribution of these bioactive molecules as toxins.

Prof. Dr. John P. Berry
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1770 KiB  
Article
Toxicology of Gambierdiscus spp. (Dinophyceae) from Tropical and Temperate Australian Waters
by Michaela E. Larsson, Olivier F. Laczka, D. Tim Harwood, Richard J. Lewis, S. W. A. Himaya, Shauna A. Murray and Martina A. Doblin
Mar. Drugs 2018, 16(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/md16010007 - 1 Jan 2018
Cited by 44 | Viewed by 7520
Abstract
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) is a human illness caused by the consumption of marine fish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTX) and possibly maitotoxins (MTX), produced by species from the benthic dinoflagellate genus Gambierdiscus. Here, we describe the identity and toxicology of Gambierdiscus spp. [...] Read more.
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) is a human illness caused by the consumption of marine fish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTX) and possibly maitotoxins (MTX), produced by species from the benthic dinoflagellate genus Gambierdiscus. Here, we describe the identity and toxicology of Gambierdiscus spp. isolated from the tropical and temperate waters of eastern Australia. Based on newly cultured strains, we found that four Gambierdiscus species were present at the tropical location, including G. carpenteri, G. lapillus and two others which were not genetically identical to other currently described species within the genus, and may represent new species. Only G. carpenteri was identified from the temperate location. Using LC-MS/MS analysis we did not find any characterized microalgal CTXs (P-CTX-3B, P-CTX-3C, P-CTX-4A and P-CTX-4B) or MTX-1; however, putative maitotoxin-3 (MTX-3) was detected in all species except for the temperate population of G. carpenteri. Using the Ca2+ influx SH-SY5Y cell Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR) bioassay we found CTX-like activity in extracts of the unidentified Gambierdiscus strains and trace level activity in strains of G. lapillus. While no detectable CTX-like activity was observed in tropical or temperate strains of G. carpenteri, all species showed strong maitotoxin-like activity. This study, which represents the most comprehensive analyses of the toxicology of Gambierdiscus strains isolated from Australia to date, suggests that CFP in this region may be caused by currently undescribed ciguatoxins and maitotoxins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algal Toxins II, 2017)
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919 KiB  
Article
Accumulation and Tissue Distribution of Dinophysitoxin-1 and Dinophysitoxin-3 in the Mussel Crenomytilus grayanus Feeding on the Benthic Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum foraminosum
by Polina A. Kameneva, Ekaterina A. Krasheninina, Valentina V. Slobodskova, Sergey P. Kukla and Tatiana Yu. Orlova
Mar. Drugs 2017, 15(10), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/md15100330 - 24 Oct 2017
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3583
Abstract
A DTX-1-producing microalga, Prorocentrum foraminosum, from Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan, was fed to Gray’s mussels, Crenomytilus grayanus, for 12 days. An increase in DTX-1 and 7-O-acyl-DTX-1 (DTX-3) was observed in the digestive gland, kidneys, and gills. [...] Read more.
A DTX-1-producing microalga, Prorocentrum foraminosum, from Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan, was fed to Gray’s mussels, Crenomytilus grayanus, for 12 days. An increase in DTX-1 and 7-O-acyl-DTX-1 (DTX-3) was observed in the digestive gland, kidneys, and gills. The digestive gland accumulated 91–100% of DTX-1 + DTX-3; and kidneys and gills accumulated, up to 8.5% and 4.3%, respectively. The kidneys had a distinctive pattern of toxin accumulation where the concentration of DTX-1 did not grow significantly after the eighth day of feeding, indicating the potential of DTX-1 elimination. The digestive gland and gills predominantly accumulated DTX-1, with a dramatic increase between Days 8 and 12. The DTX-3 content was highest in the digestive gland. The composition of DTX-3 in the acyl groups was similar for the digestive gland and kidneys, and did not change during feeding. The total toxin uptake of mussels exceeded the total toxin content from ingested cells by 2.4 times, showing that toxins may have accumulated from the seawater. This assumption needs to be further proved. The muscle, gonads, and mantle remained free of toxins. No genotoxic effect was observed in the gills and digestive gland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algal Toxins II, 2017)
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4543 KiB  
Article
The Abundance of Toxic Genotypes Is a Key Contributor to Anatoxin Variability in Phormidium-Dominated Benthic Mats
by Susanna A. Wood and Jonathan Puddick
Mar. Drugs 2017, 15(10), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/md15100307 - 11 Oct 2017
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4363
Abstract
The prevalence of benthic proliferations of the anatoxin-producing cyanobacterium Phormidium are increasing in cobble-bed rivers worldwide. Studies to date have shown high spatial and temporal variability in anatoxin concentrations among mats. In this study we determined anatoxin quotas (toxins per cell) in field [...] Read more.
The prevalence of benthic proliferations of the anatoxin-producing cyanobacterium Phormidium are increasing in cobble-bed rivers worldwide. Studies to date have shown high spatial and temporal variability in anatoxin concentrations among mats. In this study we determined anatoxin quotas (toxins per cell) in field samples and compared these results to the conventionally-used concentrations (assessed per dry weight of mat). Three mats were selected at sites in two rivers and were sampled every 2–3 h for 24–26 h. The samples were lyophilized and ground to a fine homogenous powder. Two aliquots of known weights were analyzed for anatoxin congeners using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, or digital droplet PCR with Phormidium-specific anaC primers to measure absolute quantities of gene copies. Anatoxin concentrations in the mats varied 59- and 303-fold in the two rivers over the study periods. A similar pattern was observed among gene copies (53- and 2828-fold). When converted to anatoxin quotas there was markedly less variability (42- and 16-fold), but significantly higher anatoxin quotas were observed in mats from the second river (p < 0.001, Student’s t-test). There were no obvious temporal patterns with high and low anatoxin concentrations or quotas measured at each sampling time and across the study period. These results demonstrate that variability in anatoxin concentrations among mats is primarily due to the abundance of toxic genotypes. No consistent modulation in anatoxin production was observed during the study, although significant differences in anatoxin quotas among rivers suggest that site-specific physiochemical or biological factors may influence anatoxin production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algal Toxins II, 2017)
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3258 KiB  
Article
Accumulation of Microcystin (LR, RR and YR) in Three Freshwater Bivalves in Microcystis aeruginosa Bloom Using Dual Isotope Tracer
by Min-Seob Kim, Yeon-Jung Lee, Sun-Yong Ha, Baik-Ho Kim, Soon-Jin Hwang, Jung-Taek Kwon, Jong-Woo Choi and Kyung-Hoon Shin
Mar. Drugs 2017, 15(7), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/md15070226 - 17 Jul 2017
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4851
Abstract
Abstract: Stable isotope tracers were first applied to evaluate the Microcystis cell assimilation efficiency of Sinanodonta bivalves, since the past identification method has been limited to tracking the changes of each chl-a, clearity, and nutrient. The toxicity profile and accumulation [...] Read more.
Abstract: Stable isotope tracers were first applied to evaluate the Microcystis cell assimilation efficiency of Sinanodonta bivalves, since the past identification method has been limited to tracking the changes of each chl-a, clearity, and nutrient. The toxicity profile and accumulation of MC-LR, -RR and -YR in different organs (foot and digestive organs) from the three filter-feeders (Sinanodonta woodina, Sinanodonta arcaeformis, and Unio douglasiae) were assessed under the condition of toxigenic cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa) blooms through an in situ pond experiment using 13C and 15N dual isotope tracers. Chl-a concentration in the manipulated pond was dramatically decreased after the beginning of the second day, ranging from 217.5 to 15.6 μg·L−1. The highest amount of MCs was incorporated into muscle and gland tissues in U. douglasiae during the study period, at nearly 2 or 3 times higher than in S.woodiana and S. arcaeformis. In addition, the incorporated 13C and 15N atom % in the U. douglasiae bivalve showed lower values than in other bivalves. The results demonstrate that U. douglasiae has less capacity to assimilate toxic cyanobacteria derived from diet. However, the incorporated 13C and 15N atom % of S. arcaeformis showed a larger feeding capacity than U. douglasiae and S. wodiana. Our results therefore also indicate that S. arcaeformis can eliminate the toxin more rapidly than U. douglasiae, having a larger detoxification capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algal Toxins II, 2017)
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Review

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26 pages, 3355 KiB  
Review
Mixtures of Lipophilic Phycotoxins: Exposure Data and Toxicological Assessment
by Jimmy Alarcan, Ronel Biré, Ludovic Le Hégarat and Valérie Fessard
Mar. Drugs 2018, 16(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/md16020046 - 31 Jan 2018
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4545
Abstract
Lipophilic phycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by phytoplanktonic species. They accumulate in filter-feeding shellfish and can cause human intoxication. Regulatory limits have been set for individual toxins, and the toxicological features are well characterized for some of them. However, phycotoxin contamination is often [...] Read more.
Lipophilic phycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by phytoplanktonic species. They accumulate in filter-feeding shellfish and can cause human intoxication. Regulatory limits have been set for individual toxins, and the toxicological features are well characterized for some of them. However, phycotoxin contamination is often a co-exposure phenomenon, and toxicological data regarding mixtures effects are very scarce. Moreover, the type and occurrence of phycotoxins can greatly vary from one region to another. This review aims at summarizing the knowledge on (i) multi-toxin occurrence by a comprehensive literature review and (ii) the toxicological assessment of mixture effects. A total of 79 publications was selected for co-exposure evaluation, and 44 of them were suitable for toxin ratio calculations. The main toxin mixtures featured okadaic acid in combination with pectenotoxin-2 or yessotoxin. Only a few toxicity studies dealing with co-exposure were published. In vivo studies did not report particular mixture effects, whereas in vitro studies showed synergistic or antagonistic effects. Based on the combinations that are the most reported, further investigations on mixture effects must be carried out. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algal Toxins II, 2017)
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318 KiB  
Review
Toxicity at the Edge of Life: A Review on Cyanobacterial Toxins from Extreme Environments
by Samuel Cirés, María Cristina Casero and Antonio Quesada
Mar. Drugs 2017, 15(7), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/md15070233 - 24 Jul 2017
Cited by 72 | Viewed by 7324
Abstract
Cyanotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by cyanobacteria, of varied chemical nature and toxic effects. Although cyanobacteria thrive in all kinds of ecosystems on Earth even under very harsh conditions, current knowledge on cyanotoxin distribution is almost restricted to freshwaters from temperate latitudes. In [...] Read more.
Cyanotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by cyanobacteria, of varied chemical nature and toxic effects. Although cyanobacteria thrive in all kinds of ecosystems on Earth even under very harsh conditions, current knowledge on cyanotoxin distribution is almost restricted to freshwaters from temperate latitudes. In this review, we bring to the forefront the presence of cyanotoxins in extreme environments. Cyanotoxins have been reported especially in polar deserts (both from the Arctic and Antarctica) and alkaline lakes, but also in hot deserts, hypersaline environments, and hot springs. Cyanotoxins detected in these ecosystems include neurotoxins—anatoxin-a, anatoxin-a (S), paralytic shellfish toxins, β-methylaminopropionic acid, N-(2-aminoethyl) glycine and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid- and hepatotoxins –cylindrospermopsins, microcystins and nodularins—with microcystins being the most frequently reported. Toxin production there has been linked to at least eleven cyanobacterial genera yet only three of these (Arthrospira, Synechococcus and Oscillatoria) have been confirmed as producers in culture. Beyond a comprehensive analysis of cyanotoxin presence in each of the extreme environments, this review also identifies the main knowledge gaps to overcome (e.g., scarcity of isolates and –omics data, among others) toward an initial assessment of ecological and human health risks in these amazing ecosystems developing at the very edge of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algal Toxins II, 2017)
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