First detection of benthic cyanobacteria in Lake Baikal producing paralytic shellfish toxins. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Belykh, Olga I.; Tikhonova, Irina V.; Kuzmin, Anton V.; Sorokovikova, Ekaterina G.; Fedorova, Galina A.; Khanaev, Igor V.; Sherbakova, Tatyana A.; Timoshkin, Oleg A.
• Is Part Of: Toxicon. Volume 121(2016)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Lake Baikal -- Benthic cyanobacteria -- Tolypothrix distorta -- Saxitoxin -- Paralytic shellfish toxins -- Sponge disease; Toxins -- Periodicals; Venom -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.08.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-0101

Abstract

Abstract: Cyanobacteria were screened from the surface of diseased sponges, stone and bedrock in Lake Baikal for the presence of saxitoxin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In sequel, eight paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) variants were identified using a MALDI mass spectrometry. Microscopic examination found that Tolypothrix distorta dominated in the biofouling samples. PCR and sequencing detected sxt A gene involved in saxitoxin biosynthesis, thereby providing evidence of the PST producing potential of Baikal cyanobacterial communities inhabiting different substrates. Highlights: First report on PST producing benthic cyanobacteria in Lake Baikal is presented. Cyanobacterial bloom was detected on diverse substrates, including endemic sponges. Microscopic examination found that Tolypothrix distorta dominated in the fouling. PCR and sequencing detected sxt A gene involved in saxitoxin biosynthesis. Eight PST variants were identified using a MALDI mass spectrometer.