Biosynthesis of hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers and the correlation with photosynthetic pigments in the red alga Ceramium tenuicorne. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lindqvist, Dennis; Dahlgren, Elin; Asplund, Lillemor
• Is Part Of: Phytochemistry. Volume 133(2017)
• Page Start: 51
• Page End: 58
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Ceramium tenuicorne -- Ceramiaceae -- Biosynthesis -- OH-PBDE -- Bromophenols -- Pigments -- Chlorophyll; Botanical chemistry -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Botany -- Periodicals; Chimie végétale -- Périodiques; 572.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2016.10.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-9422

Abstract

Abstract: Hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH-PBDEs) have been identified in a variety of marine organisms from different trophic levels indicating a large spread in the environment. There is much evidence pointing towards natural production as the major source of these compounds in nature. However, much is still not known about the natural production of these compounds. Seasonal trend studies have shown large fluctuations in the levels of OH-PBDEs in Ceramium tenuicorne from the Baltic Sea. Yet, even though indications of stimuli that can induce the production of these compounds have been observed, none, neither internal nor external, has been assigned to be responsible for the recorded fluctuations. In the present study the possible relationship between the concentration of pigments and that of OH-PBDEs in C. tenuicorne has been addressed. Significant correlations were revealed between the concentrations of all OH-PBDEs quantified and the concentrations of both chlorophyll a and Σxanthophylls + carotenoids. All of which displayed a concentration peak in mid-July. The levels of OH-PBDEs may be linked to photosynthetic activity, and hence indirectly to photosynthetic pigments, via bromoperoxidase working as a scavenger for hydrogen peroxide formed during photosynthesis. Yet the large apparent investment in producing specific OH-PBDE congeners point towards an targeted production, with a more specific function than being a waste product of photosynthesis. The OH-PBDE congener pattern observed in this study is not agreeable with some currently accepted models for the biosynthesis of these compounds, and indicates a more selective route than previously considered in C. tenuicorne . Graphical abstract: This study shows a statistical correlation between the concentrations of OH-PBDEs and that of photosynthetic pigments in the alga Ceramium tenuicorne over the summer season. Highlights: Concentration of OH-PBDEs correlates to that of photosynthetic pigments. A peak in concentration during the summer season occurs in mid-July. High specificity in the OH-PBDE substitution indicates a functional structure. The congener composition suggests a more complex and selective biosynthetic route.